Daily Current Affairs : 4-October-2023
India, a land of rich culture and heritage, recently witnessed a monumental event titled ‘Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath’. This event, a part of the ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’, aimed to celebrate nine years of relentless efforts towards cleanliness in the nation. This initiative, also known as a “swachhanjali” to Mahatma Gandhi on the eve of his birth anniversary, holds immense significance in the pursuit of a cleaner and greener India.
Understanding the Campaign: ‘Swachhta Pakhwada-Swachata Hi Seva’ 2023
Under the broad umbrella of the ‘Swachhta Pakhwada-Swachata Hi Seva’ 2023 campaign, ‘Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath’ emerged as a mega cleanliness drive. Its core objective was to promote ‘jan bhagidari’ or people’s participation, fostering a collective responsibility towards a garbage-free India. The campaign included:
- One Hour of Shramdaan for Swachhata: Encouraging citizens to actively participate by dedicating an hour of their time towards cleanliness activities.
- Cleaning Public Spaces: Volunteers engaged in cleaning diverse public areas such as markets, railway tracks, parks, water bodies, religious places, and tourist locations. This holistic approach targeted every nook and corner of the nation, ensuring no place was left untouched.
- Participation of Every Sector: The campaign extended its arms to every town, village, and government institution. This inclusivity amplified the impact, creating a wave of cleanliness that swept across the nation.
Nine Years of Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan: A Journey Towards Cleaner India
The Swachh Bharat Mission, a flagship project under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, comprises two crucial components:
- Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin): This component focuses on rural areas and is implemented under the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
- Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban): Addressing urban regions, this component is executed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Launched in 2014, this mission was a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary. Its vision was clear: to make India open defecation-free and achieve universal sanitation coverage by 2nd October 2019. The mission didn’t stop there; it moved forward with its second phase, spanning from 2020–21 to 2024–25, aiming to enhance the mission-related work initiated in Phase 1.
Focus Areas and Impactful Strategies
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan’s focus revolves around two key areas:
- Door-to-Door Waste Collection: Implementing systematic waste collection methodologies, ensuring that no household is left out. This approach brought cleanliness to the very doorstep of every citizen, making them active participants in the mission.
- Scientific Waste Management: Managing various types of waste scientifically, coupled with safe disposal in landfills, became a priority. Additionally, the mission aimed at remediating all legacy dumpsites, transforming them into lush green zones, breathing new life into the environment.
Important Points:
- ‘Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath’: Celebrating Cleanliness
- A mega event under the ‘Swachhta Pakhwada-Swachata Hi Seva’ 2023 campaign.
- Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary.
- Encouraged ‘jan bhagidari’ (people’s participation) for a garbage-free India.
- Included one hour of Shramdaan for Swachhata and cleaning public spaces nationwide.
- Nine Years of Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan
- Flagship project of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
- Components: Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) for rural areas and Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) for urban regions.
- Launched in 2014 to achieve open defecation-free status and universal sanitation coverage by 2nd October 2019.
- Continued into the second phase (2020–21 to 2024–25) for enhanced mission-related work.
- Focus Areas and Impactful Strategies
- Door-to-Door Waste Collection: Ensured systematic waste collection from every household.
- Scientific Waste Management: Managed various types of waste scientifically and ensured safe disposal in landfills.
- Remediation of Legacy Dumpsites: Converted old dumpsites into green zones, promoting environmental sustainability.
- Outcome and Vision
- ‘Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath’ marked a significant milestone in India’s cleanliness journey.
- Active citizen involvement was a crucial aspect of the Swachh Bharat Mission’s success.
- India strides towards a future where cleanliness is a way of life, fostering a cleaner, greener, and healthier nation.
Why In News
The programme titled ‘Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath’ was organized to celebrate nine years of the ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’, highlighting the tremendous progress made in creating a cleaner and healthier India. The event brought together communities, officials, and volunteers, emphasizing the collective effort needed for sustaining this impactful initiative.
MCQs about Swachh Bharat Mission
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What was the main objective of the ‘Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath’ event ?
A. To celebrate Diwali festival
B. To promote ‘jan bhagidari’ for a garbage-free India
C. To conduct a nationwide sports event
D. To commemorate Independence Day
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Which ministry is responsible for the implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission in urban areas?
A. Ministry of Agriculture
B. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
C. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
D. Ministry of Education
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What did the Swachh Bharat Mission focus on during its second phase (2020–21 to 2024–25)?
A. Providing free healthcare services
B. Enhancing mission-related work initiated in Phase 1
C. Implementing national education reforms
D. Promoting agricultural development
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