Swachh Diwali Subh Diwali Campaign
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is launching the Swachh Diwali Subh Diwali Campaign from November 6th to 12th 2023, under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 with an objective of celebrating Diwali in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way. It emphasizes the importance of local products, reducing single-sue plastic and maintaining cleanliness during and after the festival. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of this initiative.
Objective of Swachh Diwali Subh Diwali Campaign
The Swachh Diwali Subh Diwali Campaign aims to promote a clean and eco-friendly celebration of Diwali. It seeks to raise awareness and motivate individuals to use locally made products, eliminate single-use plastic and prioritize cleanliness before and after Diwali. This initiative aims 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).
The Signature Campaign
The Swachh Bharat Mission has partnered with MyGov, the government’s citizen engagement platform, for the ‘Swachh Diwali Subh Diwali’ Signature Campaign. Citizens are encouraged to participate in this national campaign to showcase their commitment to celebrating 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. Additionally, they can capture their unique initiatives for a Swachh Diwali in a 30-second video reel and shared it on social media platforms with the hashtag #Swachh Diwali, tagging the official handles of SBM Urban 2.0 – @sbmurbangov.
Community Involvement and the 3R’s Concept
Urban local bodies have been urged to take up cleaning and misting activities before and after Diwali. Various citizens groups will support the Signature Campaign, facilitating citizen participation and pledging their resolve for a clean and green Diwali. To promote the concept of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R) among citizens, local bodies can set up collection points for items being donated at Resource Recovery and Recycling (RRR) Centers.
Collaboration for a Cleaner Diwali
Central Ministries, State Govt, Union Territories, all Govt. offices, District administration, and local bodies will connect with the Market Associations, Trade Associations, business bodies, Resident Welfare Associations, Ward Committees, Self Help Groups, NGOs and CSOs, Youth Clubs to raise awareness on various aspects of cleanliness. This includes promoting waste segregation, adopting the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and transforming waste into wealth.
Protecting Sanitation Worker
In cities with high Air Quality Index (AQI), special care and safety measures will be taken for sanitation workers. This includes distributing appropriate face masks, protecting eye gear and safety equipment. To make their Diwali celebrations special, they may also be gifted locally made products as a token of appreciation for their tireless efforts.