Advisor Dr Pawan Kotwal chairs 1st State level Meeting of Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 and Swachhata Green Leaf Rating System

Leh, 05 September 2024: The Advisor to Lieutenant Governor Dr Pawan Kotwal chaired a meeting to discuss the “Swachhata Hi Seva 2024” campaign and the “Swachhata Green Leaf Rating System for Safe Sanitation.” Planning and execution strategies for these initiatives across the Union Territory of Ladakh remained the discussion points of the meeting.

Swachhata Hi Seva 2024, a nationwide cleanliness initiative, is set to take place over a fortnight, beginning on 17th September 2024, with several preparatory events and a curtain-raiser on 14th September. The campaign will culminate on 2nd October. This year marks a decade of commemorating the “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign, an initiative that has been observed annually since its inception in 2014 on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.

Director, Rural Development Department Sajjad Qadri gave a brief presentation on the campaign and Green Leaf Rating System for Safe Sanitation, covering its key details and also shared a draft plan for its execution. The presentation highlighted the campaign’s objectives, proposed activities, achievements, and the strategy for implementation to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment.

The “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign comprises of three key pillars i.e. Swachhata Ki Bhagidaari (Public Participation, Awareness, & Advocacy), Sampoorna Swachhata (including Swachhata Lakshit Ekayi), Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs(Preventive health checkups & social security coverage).

Advisor Dr Pawan Kotwal emphasised on improving the equipment and uniforms of Safai Karamcharis under the “Swachhta Hi Seva” initiative. There is also a focus on utilizing refuse collectors in rural areas to manage waste more effectively. In addition, the advisor advocated the implementation of a segregated garbage collection system in Peri-Urban Areas, aiming to enhance cleanliness and healthy waste management practices.  He said that these measures are intended to improve both the working conditions of sanitation workers and the overall hygiene of rural communities, aligning with the broader goals of Swachh Bharat Mission. Keeping in view the environmental sensitivity and in Ladakh’s efforts to achieve sustainability, the advisor stressed on promoting alternatives to plastic, particularly emphasizing the importance of using environmentally friendly materials. He also encouraged schools to move away from plastic items/supplies and adopt more sustainable options, such as steel, jute, or other eco-friendly materials.

Representative, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) delivered a detailed presentation outlining the various activities planned under the “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign. The presentation highlighted the key initiatives that will be undertaken to promote cleanliness and hygiene as part of this nationwide movement.

A special focus was placed on involving citizens in these activities, encouraging them to take an active role in maintaining cleanliness in their neighbourhoods. Schools, residential associations, and market vendors are among the groups targeted to participate in the campaign, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned with the objectives of the “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign.

The discussions and deliberations also focused on the Swachhata Green Leaf Rating System for Safe Sanitation an initiative launched by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism. This program aims to ensure world-class Hygiene for tourists. It aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting cleaner, more sustainable tourism across the country.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner/Secretary PDM/Agriculture and Horticulture, Dr Lalitkhuma Franklin; Commissioner/Secretary (Hr, Edu. /Tech Edu/SW), Padma Angmo; Administrative Secretary, PWD (R&B)/PHE/I&FC/Cooperative), Michael M. D’ Souza; Administrative Secretary, (PDD/ Tourism & Culture/Youth Service and Sports/ Information and Public Relations, Vikram Singh Malik;Secretary (RD/IT/S&T/Transport/Disaster Management & MD SIDCO), Amit Sharma; Deputy Commissioner Leh, Santosh Sukhdeve; Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Srikant Balasaheb Suse; Director RDD Ladakh; Mission Director SBM. (G); Director School Education Ladakh; Director FC&CA; Director Health; District Panchayat Officer Kargil; District Panchayat Officer Leh; Executive Officer MC Leh; Concerned OSDs; WASH PMU Team.

The officials stationed outside Leh attended the meeting virtually.