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Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is set to kick off the “Swachh Diwali Subh Diwali Campaign” from November 6th to 12th, 2023, as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0. The campaign’s primary goal is to encourage a more eco-friendly and sustainable approach to celebrating Diwali. It places a strong emphasis on the use of locally-made products, reducing single-use plastics, and upholding cleanliness standards during and after the festival. In this article, we will explore the multifaceted aspects of this significant initiative.
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Swachh Diwali Shubh Diwali Campaign
The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched the “Swachh Diwali, Shubh Diwali” campaign, encouraging people to avoid single-use plastics and prioritize pre and post-Diwali cleanliness. The initiative, run on MyGov.in until Diwali, aims to foster environmental responsibility and promote the use of locally-made products. In conjunction with this effort, the MHA also introduced “Jal Diwali,” wherein women from self-help groups under the National Urban Livelihood Mission will visit 550 water treatment plants to raise awareness about water conservation. These initiatives seek to create a more eco-friendly and community-engaged Diwali celebration, emphasizing sustainability and environmental consciousness.
Swachh Diwali Shubh Diwali Campaign Objectives
The central objective of the Swachh Diwali Subh Diwali Campaign is to encourage and advocate for a cleaner and more eco-friendly approach to Diwali celebrations. This initiative is aimed at raising awareness and motivating individuals to make conscious choices, such as using locally-made products, reducing single-use plastics, and maintaining cleanliness standards both before and after the festival. It seeks to instill a sense of environmental responsibility and align the cultural significance of Diwali with the Swachh Bharat mission and the principles of Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE).
Swachh Diwali Subh Diwali Signature Campaign
A pivotal component of the campaign is the “Swachh Diwali Subh Diwali Signature Campaign.” In collaboration with MyGov, the government’s citizen engagement platform, this initiative encourages citizens to actively participate in promoting a clean, green, and single-use plastic-free Diwali. From November 6th to 12th, 2023, citizens can sign up for a Swachh Diwali on MyGov and share their unique Diwali initiatives through 30-second video reels on social media platforms, using the hashtag #SwachhDiwali and tagging the official handles of SBM Urban 2.0 – @sbmurbangov.
Jal Diwali initiative
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is launching the Jal Diwali- “Women for Water, Water for Women Campaign” under the AMRUT scheme, starting from November 7 to 9, 2023. This initiative empowers women by providing knowledge about water treatment processes through visits to Water Treatment Plants (WTPs). It aims to promote gender equality, inclusivity, and diversity in the water sector. Over 15,000 Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) will participate, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility while enhancing their role in ensuring clean drinking water access.
Community Engagement and the 3R’s Concept
Community involvement is a cornerstone of the campaign. Urban local bodies are encouraged to engage in cleaning and misting activities before and after Diwali. Citizen groups play a pivotal role in supporting the Signature Campaign, facilitating citizen participation, and demonstrating their commitment to a clean and green Diwali. Furthermore, local bodies are urged to promote the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R) among citizens by establishing collection points for donated items at Resource Recovery and Recycling (RRR) Centers.
Collaborative Efforts for a Cleaner Diwali
The campaign underscores the importance of collaboration at various levels of government and with diverse associations and organizations. Central Ministries, State Governments, Union Territories, Government Offices, District Administrations, and local bodies are encouraged to collaborate with Market Associations, Trade Associations, business bodies, Resident Welfare Associations, Ward Committees, Self-Help Groups, NGOs, and CSOs to raise awareness on different aspects of cleanliness. This includes promoting waste segregation, adopting the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and turning waste into a valuable resource.
Safeguarding Sanitation Workers
In regions with a high Air Quality Index (AQI), special measures are taken to safeguard the well-being of sanitation workers. This includes distributing appropriate face masks, and providing eye protection gear, and safety equipment. As a token of appreciation for their dedicated efforts, sanitation workers may also receive locally-made products to make their Diwali celebrations special. This gesture acknowledges their hard work and contributions to maintaining cleanliness in our cities.
Swachh Diwali Shubh Diwali UPSC
The “Swachh Diwali Subh Diwali Campaign,” initiated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs from November 6th to 12th, 2023, aims to promote an eco-friendly Diwali. It advocates for local products, the reduction of single-use plastics, and cleanliness during and after the festival. The campaign emphasizes environmental responsibility, aligning Diwali’s cultural significance with the Swachh Bharat mission. It includes a signature campaign on MyGov and community involvement to instill the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R). Collaborative efforts across government levels and organizations aim to raise awareness about cleanliness, waste segregation, and turning waste into resources. Special attention is given to safeguarding sanitation workers in areas with high air pollution.