Fri Nov 15 15:16:43 UTC 2024: ## Thiruvananthapuram Railway Division Celebrates Swachh Bharat Anniversary with Massive Cleanliness Drive

**Thiruvananthapuram, November 15, 2024:** The Thiruvananthapuram division of the Southern Railway has successfully concluded a month-long cleanliness drive, culminating in a significant impact on the region’s railway network. The initiative, launched on September 17th and concluding on October 15th, commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Under the “Swachhta Hi Seva 2024” campaign, the division mobilized all railway stakeholders, including staff, volunteers from NSS, NCC, Student Police Cadets, schools, colleges, and the general public, to participate in a massive cleanup effort.

The campaign covered a total of 103 stations, 74 trains, and 428 offices, encompassing a cleaned area of 724,749 square meters, including 508.16 km of tracks. A total of 40,505 participants, including 15,505 volunteers, actively contributed to the initiative, according to Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Manish Thaplyal.

The campaign went beyond mere cleaning, incorporating creative elements such as 325 street plays and 218 cultural performances at stations to raise awareness about cleanliness. Waste-to-art installations at 30 stations further engaged the public in the cause.

To address illegal waste dumping, a three-pronged approach was implemented, including designated “Cleanliness Target Units” (CTU) and “before-and-after” boards at cleaned sites. The Railway Protection Force also imposed fines on 1,283 offenders, totaling ₹2,38,850, and counseled 1,718 individuals. The Railways also coordinated with local municipal bodies to improve waste management practices.

The campaign further emphasized sustainability by organizing 181 pledge-taking meetings, two marathons, five cyclothons, 44 walkathons, and 46 seminars/webinars. Thirty health camps were also organized for sanitation workers.

Mr. Thaplyal expressed satisfaction with the success of the campaign, stating, “It’s not just about what we have cleaned today, but the message we have sent out—that together, we can make a lasting difference.” The initiative showcased the commitment of the Thiruvananthapuram Railway division to promoting a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.

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