Chandigarh, April 17
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday announced that a statewide cleanliness drive will be carried out across all urban local bodies for two weeks, starting May 1, with ward committees tasked with ensuring sustained sanitation efforts beyond the campaign.
Addressing members of newly formed ward committees through video conferencing from Chandigarh, Saini said their role would remain crucial in maintaining cleanliness throughout the year. He called on members to understand their responsibilities and work towards achieving the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Mission.
Saini said wards that perform well in maintaining cleanliness will be ranked and rewarded with incentives. Congratulating the members, he said an effective sanitation system can only be achieved with active public participation. He emphasized that the mission’s success depends on individuals taking personal responsibility for cleanliness. He asked committee members to coordinate with waste collection contractors and ensure proper route planning so that garbage collection vehicles reach every household on time.
The chief minister also invited suggestions from members to improve the campaign and said practical inputs would be considered for implementation. He described ward committees as a vital link between the government and the public, and urged them to raise awareness among citizens about cleanliness. Highlighting the need for behavioral change, Saini advised members to educate people and discourage littering in unsanctioned areas. He also suggested organizing street plays and cultural activities to raise awareness.
Referring to the pledge of “Mera Ward, Swachh Ward”, he said officials have been directed to resolve complaints raised by committee members on a priority basis. He also urged members to help maintain peace, harmony, and brotherhood in their respective areas. Saini asked members to report gaps in basic amenities, such as public parks, street lights, stadiums,, and government hospitals, as well as sanitation concerns. He also encouraged them to assist eligible citizens in accessing the benefits of government schemes.
Senior officials, including Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Arun Kumar Gupta, Urban Local Bodies Department Commissioner and Secretary Ashok Kumar Meena, Deputy Principal Secretary Yashpal, and Swachh Bharat Mission Urban Director Shashwat Sangwan, were present during the interaction. The initiative aims to strengthen urban sanitation systems while encouraging public participation and accountability at the local level.
