Union Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurates “Swachhta hi Seva”; lauds cleanliness drive during four years of NDA Government

Port Blair, Sept 19: Union Minister for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, Environment and Forests and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the “Swachhta hi Seva” drive in a ceremony at the Tiranga Park, Port Blair on Sept 15, 2018. “Swachhta hi Seva” drive is the result of nationwide appeal made by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of keeping our surroundings clean. 

Addressing the gathering, the Minister paid rich tributes to freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and all the freedom fighters who had undergone the pain and misery in the Cellular Jail for the Independence of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that the Prime Minister’s appeal to the citizens for Swachh Bharat, made from the Red Fort on 15th August 2014 has become a reality.”More than 8 crores toilets have been constructed throughout the country and about 4 lakhs villages and nearly 400 districts have been made ‘open-defecation free’ during the last 4 years”, he said.

The Minister lauded the strong mechanism that has been developed by local administration for converting solid wastes into compost. He also praised the steps taken by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and the local municipal body in curbing plastic pollution on the isles.”Clean environment that we inherited from our forefathers must be restored”, He said.

He appealed to the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, NGOs and citizens to join

Green Good Deeds movement to contribute in making clean and green environment. He also urged everyone present on the occasion to download mobile apps of Green Good Deeds.

On the occasion, he also handed over Swachhata Kits to various organisations and flagged off the “Swachhta hi Seva” drive.  The Minister along with other dignitaries joined the drive and performed Shramdaan at the Ratan Market in Port Blair.

Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Admiral D. K. Joshi (Retd), Shri. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament A&N Islands, Chief Secretary Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri Chetan B Sanghi and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion. The Program was organised by the Port Blair Municipal Council.