On September 17, 2024, Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, spearheaded a cleanliness and plantation drive as part of the “Swachchhta Hi Sewa” initiative. This campaign, aligned with the Swachh Bharat Mission, marks a decade since the initiative’s launch in 2014, aimed at promoting a cleaner, greener India. Minister of State for Environment, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, was also present at the event.
During the event, Shri Bhupender Yadav inaugurated “Matri Van” within the premises of the National Zoological Park, which was developed following a dedicated cleanliness effort. Both ministers, along with a group of children, planted saplings to further their commitment to environmental protection.
In line with the campaign, Forest Departments across the country organized tree-planting activities in 111 urban forests (Nagar Vans) and 55 tiger reserves, reinforcing the government’s pledge to expand green spaces and protect biodiversity.
Addressing the participants, Shri Bhupender Yadav emphasized the importance of incorporating key values like ‘Swabhav’ (behavior), ‘Sanskar’ (values), ‘Zimmedari’ (responsibility), and ‘Bhaagidari’ (collective participation) in this initiative. He urged everyone to actively contribute to cleanliness and plantation activities as a service to Mother Earth.
The event also featured a swachchhta pledge administered by the minister, with students performing a street play (nukkad natak) to raise awareness about cleanliness. Over 100 students and teachers took part in the campaign, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among the youth.
Senior officials, including Smt. Leena Nandan, Secretary, and other key officers from the Ministry, also participated in the event alongside school children.
