Navi Mumbai :- In a remarkable display of unity and civic responsibility, more than 1.28 lakh residents of Navi Mumbai came together to participate in the ‘Cleanliness is Service’ campaign. This mass effort saw citizens devoting one hour to volunteer for the cause of cleanliness on the city’s streets.
The event, aptly named ‘Nishchay Kiya, Number Pahila,’ featured a cleanliness jingle sung by renowned musician Padma Shri Shankar Mahadevan, who also served as the brand ambassador for the Clean Navi Mumbai Mission. The initiative was organized at the bustling Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk in Vashi, where hundreds of senior citizens actively participated in a special cleanliness drive.
Padma Shri Shankar Mahadevan, along with local legislators, government officials, and various dignitaries, joined hands to make the Cleanliness Campaign a resounding success.
Speaking on the occasion, Padma Shri Shankar Mahadevan emphasized the importance of collective action for cleanliness. He called upon every citizen to commit to the cause of cleanliness, reinforcing the vision of a cleaner Navi Mumbai.
In this context, Airoli MLA Shri Ganesh Naik, Belapur MLA Shrimati Mandatai Mhatre, and other officials, including Shri Rajesh Narvekar, Additional Commissioner Shrimati Sujata Dhole, and Shri Vijaykumar Mhasale, the State Director of Swachh Maharashtra Abhiyan, were present and actively participated in the special cleanliness drive.
In Vashi’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk, a staggering 775 senior citizens, along with other citizens, participated in the cleanliness campaign. Sector 9, Vashi, saw 255 third-party citizens contribute to the Swachhata Mohim, adding to the collective effort to make Navi Mumbai cleaner.
Apart from public places, this mega initiative touched 267 specific locations identified by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation. These included schools, colleges, gardens, stations, depots, markets, health centers, and drain areas, as well as other government and private offices and societies. More than 1.28 lakh citizens actively participated, raising awareness about cleanliness and fostering a sense of unity in Navi Mumbai.
A special mention goes to Belapur MLA Shrimati Mandatai Mhatre and Ghansoli MLA Shri Ramesh Patil, who participated in cleanliness drives in their respective constituencies. Additionally, prominent figures from the Income Tax Department, including Chief Income Tax Commissioner Shri Sanjay Kumar, and actors Shri Rajkumar Rao and Shri Sunil Grover, joined Income Tax officials and employees to actively engage in the cleanliness campaign.
The ‘Cleanliness is Service’ campaign not only showcased the unity of Navi Mumbai’s residents but also demonstrated their unwavering commitment to cleanliness in the city. Padma Shri Shankar Mahadevan’s message, along with the active participation of citizens, is a testament to their dedication to keeping Navi Mumbai clean.
Successful Micro-Management in the Cleanliness Campaign
For effective micro-management, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation and the Swachh Maharashtra Abhiyan Class coordinated the Cleanliness Campaign. Each cleanliness location had an appointed coordinator, responsible for overseeing the campaign’s progress. These coordinators received training to ensure the success of the initiative.
As per the central government’s guidelines, these coordinators captured photographs before and after the cleanliness drive, along with videos, to document the transformation. All coordinators were trained in this regard and ensured prompt uploads to the central website, enhancing transparency and accountability.
Navi Mumbai’s commitment to cleanliness has set a remarkable example for other cities, with the campaign earning a place in the Indian Book of Records for its impressive participation.
Active Involvement of Children, Women, and Differently-Abled – Special Recognition from the Central Government
On September 17, eight administrative departments in the municipal region of Navi Mumbai witnessed the active participation of 1,14,000 citizens in a collective cleanliness pledge. Notably, children, young women, and differently-abled individuals also contributed significantly, highlighting the inclusive nature of the cleanliness campaign.
The Mini Sea Shore in Vashi, for instance, witnessed the active participation of over 200 differently-abled citizens in the coastal cleanliness drive. This remarkable involvement has earned special recognition from the Central Government.
In summary, the ‘Cleanliness is Service’ campaign in Navi Mumbai has exemplified unity and civic responsibility. The active participation of citizens, along with the support of government officials and prominent figures, has made a significant impact on the city’s cleanliness. Navi Mumbai continues to lead the way in the national cleanliness movement, setting an example for other regions to follow.
