Editor
The 2023 theme for the 'Swachhata Hi Seva' campaign is 'Garbage Free India,' highlighting the nation's unwavering commitment to cleanliness and sanitation.
Addressing the audience, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh recognized the challenges faced by the state and underscored the importance of unity among communities in achieving peace. He shed light on various government efforts, including infrastructure improvements on national highways, deployment of security forces in sensitive areas, and ensuring the availability of essential commodities in all districts.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the 'Swachhata Hi Seva' campaign has played a pivotal role in enhancing the cleanliness of rivers, lakes, municipalities, and other areas throughout India over the past nine years. Manipur has also embarked on similar initiatives, notably the Nambul River Rejuvenation Project. Plans are underway to treat wastewater from 72 drains at the Heirangoithong Waste Treatment Plant before releasing it into the river.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh shared that technical clearance has been obtained from the Centre for comparable projects related to Imphal River and Kongba River. Additionally, two more projects for Moirang River and the remaining portion of Nambol River are in the consideration stage. Furthermore, projects for Thoubal River, Chakpi River, Moreh River, and Heirok River are progressing in the Detailed Project Report (DPR) phase.
N. Biren Singh called upon the people of Manipur, including Meira Paibis (women's torchbearer groups), students, local clubs, and panchayat-level organizations, to actively participate in the two-week-long campaign aimed at preserving a clean environment. He stressed the importance of unity across society, including government officials, in making Manipur a vibrant state by engaging in tree plantation drives and safeguarding water bodies.
Expressing concern about the lack of rainfall and ecological imbalances, the Chief Minister advocated for rainwater harvesting, tree planting, and the preservation of forest cover. He also suggested making rainwater harvesting mandatory for all households. Additionally, a long-term plan to create reservoirs by channeling water from the Loktak Project is in development.
Starting in October, the government plans to revert to a six-day working week with no holidays on Saturdays. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh acknowledged the state's achievements over the past years and expressed confidence in the situation normalizing soon.
He emphasized the role of the Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development (MAHUD) as the nodal agency to collaborate with District Collectors, local clubs, municipalities, Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), and NGOs in achieving a Clean Manipur and contributing to the Clean India campaign.
The launch of the 'Swachhata Hi Seva' campaign organized by MAHUD was attended by Chief Secretary Dr. Vineet Joshi, Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, and District Collectors who virtually joined the program.