Thiruvananthapuram Division Leads the Way in Implementing Swachh Bharat Mission with Transformative Cleanliness Drive
Thiruvananthapuram: Thiruvananthapuram Division, Southern Railway has set an inspiring example by spearheading a remarkable cleanliness drive from 17th September to 15th October to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission., the division’s tireless efforts under the Swachhta Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 campaign, followed by Swachhta Pakhwada, brought together all railway stakeholders, organisations, and individuals in a massive movement for cleanliness.
“It will be heartening to see the transformation we will achieve through collective effort. This is not just about cleanliness but about building a culture of responsibility and pride for our surroundings. Together, we can make our Railways a shining example of a Swachh Bharat” said Dr. Manish Thaplyal Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Thiruvananthapuram noted while inaugurating the month-long program.
Participation and Planning for Cleanliness
The campaign reached every corner of the division, covering 103 stations, 74 trains, and 428 offices. It was not just about cleaning spaces but also fostering awareness and accountability. 40505 participants, including 15505 volunteers of NSS, NCC, Student Police Cadets(SPC), other volunteers from schools and colleges,, railway staff, and the general public, joined hands to clean 724,749 sq. meters of area, including 508.16 km of tracks.
These volunteers worked alongside railway staff to clear careless throwing of waste and illegal waste dumping sites, also turning neglected spaces into clean, usable areas. The sight of student volunteers ensuring cleanliness of railway premises and planting trees inspired travellers and locals alike.
Multifaceted Approach to Sustain Cleanliness
The drive also had a creative flair, with 325 Nukkad Nataks (street plays) and 218 cultural performances at station premises. These acts not only entertained but also delivered strong messages about cleanliness. At 30 stations, waste-to-art installations attracted media attention, also attracting selfies and starting conversations about sustainability.
Tackling Illegal Waste Dumping
A remarkable aspect of the campaign was the action taken against illegal waste dumping. Under the guidance of Dr. Manish Thaplyal, DRM/TVC a three-pronged approach tackled the issue head-on:
Awareness: The area was marked as CTU(Cleanliness Target Unit) and Displaying “before-and-after” boards at cleaned sites to discourage further dumping.
Vigilance: Monitoring locations with the Railway Protection Force (RPF), remarkably catching the culprits red-handed and penalizing 1,283 offenders, collecting fines totaling ₹2,38,850, and counseling 1,718 individuals.
Collaboration: Coordinating with local municipal bodies to enhance vigilance and streamline their waste management inorder to find and restrict illegal garbage collecting agencies.
Holistic Initiatives
The campaign’s reach went beyond cleaning:
Awareness drives: 181 pledge taking meetings, 2 marathons, 5 cyclothons, 44 walkathons, and 46 seminars/webinars raised awareness about cleanliness and sustainability.
Care for Cleaners: 30 health camps were organized for safai karmis, the unsung heroes of cleanliness.
Tree plantation: 498 drives resulted in 3,421 saplings, leaving a green legacy for future generations.
Transforming the Future
The campaign’s impact extended beyond physical cleanliness. It created a ripple effect of awareness, unity, and pride among all stake holders. The division has also reached out to local self-government bodies to prevent unauthorized waste dumping and ensure sustainable waste management.
While appreciating the efforts of officers, staff and all the stakeholders in achieving a perceptible change Dr. Manish Thaplyal reminded “It’s not just about what we’ve cleaned today, but the message we’ve sent out—that together, we can make a lasting difference.”
As the campaign concluded, it stood as a testament to what collective action can achieve. Through innovative initiatives and heartfelt commitment, it reminded everyone of their role in creating a cleaner, greener India.
