Shubha Thakur, Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Urban Development, today visited the capital city and inspected works undertaken by the city municipalities under the government’s flagship program – Swachh Bharat Mission and announced an innovative initiative to involve the citizens of Hyderabad in the mission. She also revealed the ‘Swachh Sarvekshan’ brochure comprising of the new parameters for the survey scheduled to be conducted in January.
Hyderabad, a priority city and one of the 10 cities selected by the Center for intensification of the initiative, is projected as a model city that can pave the way for fulfillment of the mission’s objectives in the other towns and cities respectively. A number of activities were planned for Shubha’s visit, in order intensify the efforts undertaken under Swachh Bharat Mission. While evaluating progress made in the construction of toilets, she also met the Hyderabad City Support Unit team and the heads of different local bodies to discuss the importance of upcoming Swachh Survekshan and the different initiatives planned under Swachh Bharat. The Joint Secretary then launched the ministry’s One Lakh Hands initiative at the Meridian School in Banjara Hills, where she addressed school students and briefed them about the importance Swachh Bharat Mission and maintaining cleanliness in the city.
Speaking on the initiative, Shubha Thakur said, “The One Lakh Hands project is to sensitize communities, and especially children, on various issues affecting urban cleanliness and to encourage them to be a part of the solution. The need for children to be aware of such issues is crucial, which would create a positive impact on our younger generation and help them cultivate the habit of maintaining their city’s cleanliness.”
Through the One Lakh Hands campaign, the government plans to reach out to over 100 different schools and over 1 Lakh students across Hyderabad over the next two months, through phone calls, mails, personal visits and meetings. A first of its kind initiative, the One Lakh Hands project aims to sensitize and engage students and their parents directly to solve the issue of waste management in Hyderabad. The community activation platform being built through the program will encourage citizens to act in their individual capacities and be a part of the solution.
Shubha Thakur also felicitated Madhuranagar Welfare Association and United Federation of Residents Welfare Association, who have been leading the way in adapting green practices and curbing the much incumbent waste management issue in the city. (NSS)