Indian Railways is observing Swachhata Pakhwada from 1st to 15th October, 2024, across its zones and production units, with a comprehensive schedule detailing various cleanliness activities under specific themes. The fortnight is dedicated to ensure visible and tangible improvement in cleanliness of railway premises. Joining in the initiative, Western Railway has also launched various cleanliness activities to spruce up stations, offices and railway premises.
According to a press release issued by Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, the first three days of the campaign were observed on themes such as Swachhata Awareness, Celebration of Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti & Swachh Bharat Diwas and Swach Station. More than 17,000 participants were administered Swacchata Pledge on the first day of Swachhata Pakhwada over Western Railway. 86 Swachh Raths/Prabhat Pheris were conducted across WR with the slogan “Swachh Rail Swachh Bharat” to create awareness. Nukkad nataks and workshop and training programs were organized, besides installation of Selfie Booths at WR HQ, Divisional offices and stations to create mass awareness towards cleanliness.
On the 2nd day, i.e., 2nd October, 2024 was celebrated as Mahatma Gandhi’s Jayanti and Swachh Bharat Diwas was observed. Shramdaan activities were conducted at 128 locations with the involvement of approx. 10,000 participants. 31 seminars were organized on sanitation and upkeep of railway stations and railway colonies by involving NGOs, charitable institutions, scouts & guides and unions. Bio-toilet awareness campaigns were also launched to highlight the benefit and proper use of bio-toilets. Feedback were also taken from passengers regarding cleanliness at stations and trains, to help identify areas for improvement.
The 3rd day of the Swachhta Pakhwada, i.e., 3rd October, 2024, focussed on the theme of ‘Swachh Station’, where intensive cleanliness drives were organised at 268 major stations. More than 1000 dustbins were provided at 52 stations, besides 3-type separate dustbins were provided at 23 stations for segregated collection of waste. Special focus was given on cleanliness of drains and toilets at stations. Cleanliness activities were also carried out at circulating area, parking area, approach roads, FOBs, lifts, Passenger Waiting Halls, Retiring Rooms and other railway premises at the stations. Hydrant pipes were inspected by railway officials during the inspection and any leakages were promptly attended.
Vineet further mentioned that messages, slogans, and announcements regarding Swachhata Pakhwada will be made through public address systems at all stations. Public awareness campaigns will also promote the elimination of single-use plastics and encourage the segregation of wet and dry waste into separate dustbins at platforms and station areas. The initiative will culminate with a Swachhta Awareness Rally on 15th October 2024.