12 Crore Toilets Built in Last 9 Years Freeing India from Open Defecation: Hardeep Puri

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 2nd July. Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, inaugurated the Swachhta Pakhwada-2024 on Monday at a ceremony held at Shastri Bhawan. The event commenced with the administration of the Swachhta Pledge to senior officers and staff of the Ministry, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to cleanliness initiatives.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Puri hailed the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan as a pivotal campaign that has brought about transformative changes across India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasized the campaign’s success in constructing nearly 12 crore toilets across rural and urban areas, effectively eradicating the scourge of open defecation and significantly improving public health and hygiene practices.

Highlighting the achievements of the previous year’s Swachhta Pakhwada, Minister Puri noted various sanitation initiatives, including the installation of hygiene infrastructure and cleanliness drives in public spaces and offices. He reiterated the importance of sustainable development goals, particularly SDG-6, and outlined the Ministry’s efforts in promoting cleanliness practices across all departments, including Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and attached offices.

Minister Puri also commended the significant strides made in solid waste management, with urban areas now achieving an impressive 77% coverage, up from near absence at the beginning of the Swachh Bharat Mission. He referenced a United Nations report indicating that improved health and hygiene practices have resulted in households saving up to Rs. 50,000 annually.

Looking forward, Minister Puri stressed the ongoing commitment required to sustain cleanliness efforts, particularly through initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0). He emphasized the goal of making cities garbage-free and remediating all legacy dumpsites, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for all citizens.

The Swachhta Pakhwada-2024, scheduled from July 1 to July 15, 2024, aims to further strengthen these initiatives and mobilize widespread participation in cleanliness activities across the country.