Question

Diary Entry on ‘Swachh Bharat Abiyan'

Answer 1

Mahatma Gandhi had rightly said, “Sanitation is more important than Independence”. He was aware of the pathetic situation of Indian rural people at that time and he dreamt of a clean India where he emphasised on cleanliness and sanitation as an integral part of living. Unfortunately, after 67 years of independence, we have only about 30% of the rural households with access to toilets. President Pranab Mukherjee, in his address to Parliament in June 2014, said, “For ensuring hygiene, waste management and sanitation across the nation a “Swachh Bharat Mission” will be launched. This will be our tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary to be celebrated in the year 2019”.
First Cleanliness Drive Started on 25 September 2014
A cleanliness drive, just before the formal launch of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, was carried out from 25 September till 23 October by all offices up to panchayat level.