NFR: “Swachhata Pakhwara” – Special cleanliness campaign ended successfully

Maligaon, 30^th September, 2019: Swachhata Pakhwara from 16^th to 30^th September, which is a part of the special drive on cleanliness “Swachhata Hi Sewa” campaign from 11^th September to 2^nd October concluded successfully. This has been stated by Shri Radhey Raman, Addl General Manager / N.F. Railway while interacting with media person at Maligaon Railway HQ today.

Giving brief details of the activities done during the period; Shri Radhey Raman said that it started on 11^th September with ‘Swachhata’ pledge administered to railway employees on the first day of the “Swachhata Hi Sewa” campaign followed by a “Shramdaan” programme and a Five-day Special Cleanliness drive in trains, stations, railway office premises, hospitals and residential colonies from 11^th Sept to 15^th Sept. After the conclusion of the Special Cleanliness drive, “Swachhata Pakhwara” started from 16thSeptember with each day earmarked for specific target oriented activities.

16^th September was observed as Swachh Awareness day to raise awareness of all railway employees and their family members to ensure cleanliness around their habitat. There were more than 70000 participants throughout NFR. Prabhat Pheris to build up awareness were organized. More than 12000 people participated at 300 locations. Street plays (Nukkad Nataks) to highlight dangers of single-use plastic were organized in more than 20 places.

17^th September and 18^th September was observed as Swachh Samwad day involving general public, railway employees and their families. Seminar on Sanitation and upkeep of stations involving Unions, NGOs, Scouts & Guides were organized at 5 locations involving approximately 780 people. Cloth Bags were distributed among railway employees to imbibe the habit of using cloth bags instead of single-use plastic bags. Interaction with employees organized at as many as 8 locations and inside train. More than 38,000 posters and pamphlets on anti-littering, stopping use of single-use plastic, virtue of cleanliness was displayed at various locations.

19^th September and 20^th September was observed as Swachh Stations day dedicated for intensive cleanliness at all railway stations of NFR. Intensive Cleanliness drive at 26 A-1 and A category stations were carried out. 70 other stations were also taken up for intensive cleanliness drive during this period. Several hundred dustbins / garbage bins of two different colours were made available for segregating biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste at stations, trains and office premises.

21^st September and 22^nd September were observed as Swachch Railgaadi days dedicated for ensuring intensive cleanliness in Trains. Special drive was undertaken in 46 identified mail/express trains. Intensive inspection / cleaning of 105 other important trains were also carried out.

23^rd September was observed as Swachch Parisar day. The day was dedicated for ensuring cleanliness at Work Place & Residential Premises. Cleaning of areas was taken up for plantation of trees and landscaping was undertaken at various locations in all five divisions for beautification. Single-use plastic waste was collected from all office / workplace.

24^th September and 25^th September was observed as Swachh Ahar day. These two days were dedicated for ensuring clean and hygienic food preparation units. Intensive cleaning of 5 canteens and 6 Food Plazas, inspection of 299 food stalls and pantry cars in 112 trains were carried out. Base kitchen at 15 locations and its Store areas were also inspected. Feedback of 1600 passengers on food and cleanliness were collected.

26^th September and 27^th September was observed as Swachch Neer days dedicated for ensuring that passengers and employees get clean potable water. Drive conducted for making drinking water tap area clean at 154 stations. Water treatment plant, water filtration plants, water supply lines etc. were inspected at 99 locations.

28^th September was observed as the Swachh Prasadhan day. The day was dedicated for intensive cleanliness in toilets in trains and railway premises. 217 stations, 108 trains 51 hospitals and health units were covered on that day.

29^th September was observed as the Swachh Competition day. The day was utilized for organizing various competitions among all stakeholders – including staff, school children and families of railway employees to inculcate a sense of competition for cleanliness so that more awareness on environment and its protection can be generated. Drawing competition was organized in divisions. More than 1400 Tee-shirts with Swachh Bharat slogans were distributed.

It can be mentioned here that a special cleanliness drive will be launched on 2^nd October alongwith vigorous campaign for “Non use of Single use plastic” to commemorate the 150^th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.