MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde inaugurated a 16-day statewide cleanliness drive in Maharashtra, titled "Swachhata Hi Seva," ahead of Gandhi Jayanti. The campaign, launched at Swarajya Bhoomi, Girgaon Chowpatty, aims to enhance cleanliness and hygiene across the state, culminating on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

During the launch event, CM Shinde praised the relentless efforts of Mumbai's sanitation workers, referring to them as the "real heroes" for their dedication to keeping the city clean and healthy. He emphasized the importance of public participation in the drive, urging citizens to actively engage in maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings.

The campaign focuses on instilling cleanliness as a social and personal virtue, with the theme "Swabhav Swachhta - Sanskar Swachhta." It aims to cover both urban and rural areas, promoting the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (RRR). The state government has also committed to several initiatives under this campaign, including the establishment of RRR centers and a zero-waste program at key tourist destinations.

The event saw active participation from students, officials, volunteers, and a large contingent of sanitation workers from various administrative wards. A significant cleanup operation was conducted, deploying equipment such as dumpers, compactors, and beach-cleaning machines. Over 30 metric tons of waste were collected from Girgaon Chowpatty during the drive.

CM Shinde personally participated in the cleanup operation, using a tractor and beach-cleaning machinery to gather waste from the shore. He also announced tree plantation and beautification projects to enhance green cover and aesthetic value across the state. The "Swachhata Hi Seva" campaign aligns with national directives for enhancing cleanliness on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, aiming to create a cleaner and greener Maharashtra.