Central official reviews Swachh Bharat works

Launches ‘One Lakh Hands’ initiative for maintaining urban cleanliness in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Shubha Thakur, Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Urban Development, on Wednesday visited the capital city and inspected works undertaken by the city municipalities under the government’s flagship programme – Swachh Bharat Mission - and announced an innovative initiative to involve the citizens of Hyderabad in the mission. She also released the ‘Swachh Sarvekshan’ brochure comprising of new parameters for the survey scheduled to be conducted in January.

Hyderabad, one of the 10 cities selected by the Centre for intensification of the initiative, is projected as a model city that can pave the way for fulfilment of the mission’s objectives in other towns and cities. A number of activities were planned for Shubha’s visit, in order intensify the efforts undertaken under Swachh Bharat Mission.

While evaluating the progress made in the construction of toilets, she also met the Hyderabad City Support Unit team and the heads of different local bodies to discuss the importance of upcoming Swachh Survekshan and different initiatives planned under Swachh Bharat.

The Joint Secretary then launched the Ministry’s One Lakh Hands initiative at Meridian School at Banjara Hills, where she addressed school students and briefed them about the importance Swachh Bharat Mission and maintaining cleanliness in the city.

Speaking on the initiative, Shubha Thakur said, “The One Lakh Hands project is to sensitise communities, especially children, on various issues affecting urban cleanliness and to encourage them to be a part of the solution. The need for children to be aware of such issues is crucial, which would create a positive impact on our younger generation and help them cultivate the habit of maintaining their city’s cleanliness.”

Through the One Lakh Hands campaign, the government is planning to reach out to over 100 different schools and over one lakh students across Hyderabad over the next two months, through phone calls, mails, personal visits and meetings.

A first-of-its-kind initiative, the One Lakh Hands project aims to sensitise and engage students and their parents directly to solve the issue of waste management in Hyderabad. The community activation platform being built through the programme will encourage citizens to act in their individual capacities and be a part of the solution.

Shubha Thakur also felicitated Madhuranagar Welfare Association and United Federation of Residents Welfare Association that have been leading the way in adapting green practices and curbing the waste management issue in the city.