CM Pinarayi Vijayan Leads Statewide Cleanliness Drive in Kerala on Gandhi Jayanti

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan launched a major cleanliness drive across the state as part of the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations. He also inaugurated a new cancer block at Ernakulam General Hospital. A social media campaign #ChallengeToChange was initiated to bolster the ongoing Maattam programme under the Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam campaign.

On October 2, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan initiated a statewide cleanliness campaign as part of the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations. He emphasized the significance of maintaining cleanliness and described littering as an offense against one's environment. This initiative was announced during the inaugural ceremony of a new cancer block at Ernakulam General Hospital.

Vijayan took an active role in promoting this cause by reading out a seven-line pledge against littering. The audience, which included guests and dignitaries present at the event, echoed each line after him. Notable attendees were Ministers M B Rajesh, P Rajeeve and Veena George; Ernakulam Lok Sabha MP Hibi Eden; legislators T J Vinod and K J Maxi; Kochi Mayor M Anilkumar and Chief Secretary Venu V.

Social Media Campaign for Solid Waste Management

The state government also launched a social media campaign #ChallengeToChange on this occasion to bolster the ongoing efforts of Kerala Solid Waste Management Project’s (KSWMP) Maattam programme under its Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam campaign. The aim is to bring about substantial changes in waste management practices across the state.

Massive Participation in Cleanliness Drive

To mark Gandhi Jayanti, over 25 lakh people across Kerala pledged their commitment towards waste eradication on October 1st and 2nd under this campaign. With participation from at least 200 volunteers per ward, various public spaces including urban pockets, bus stands, railway stations, public parks, tourist spots and markets experienced thorough cleaning activities as part of Swachhata Hi Seva.

The extensive participation from citizens reflects their collective commitment towards creating cleaner surroundings. It also resonates with Mahatma Gandhi's vision of cleanliness being next to godliness.

The state government plans to continue this cleanliness drive with the aim of maintaining a litter-free environment. The campaign will persist in its efforts to raise awareness about the importance of cleanliness and waste management, thereby encouraging more people to join hands for this noble cause.

In conclusion, Kerala's statewide cleanliness initiative is not only a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary but also an important step towards transforming Kerala into a cleaner and healthier state. By engaging citizens directly in these activities, it fosters a sense of responsibility among them towards their surroundings. It also highlights the role that each individual can play in making their environment cleaner and safer. As we move forward, such initiatives are crucial in instilling a culture of cleanliness and environmental consciousness among citizens at large.