CM Shinde All Set To 'Deep Clean' Mumbai, Maharashtra

By Manu Shrivastava 

BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal attributes the ongoing success of the Deep Clean Drive to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's vision. Launched in December last, this initiative is focused on cleaning small lanes, slums, and footpaths every weekend. 

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has been actively participating in the deep cleaning drive

Chahal highlights the continuous effort over the past 13 weeks, with a commitment to conducting deep cleaning drives without breaks. The initiative targets one municipal school from each of Mumbai's 25 (administrative) wards weekly, aiming to expand coverage to all 227 wards in the next 9 to 10 weeks for comprehensive city-wide cleanliness.

Chahal emphasises that the Deep Clean Drive is not merely a BMC program but a genuine community effort, requiring support from people's representatives, students, and working professionals. The initiative aims to raise awareness through street plays and establish it as a permanent campaign in the coming months. Notably, the ongoing drive has positively impacted the city's air quality, which suffered due to various construction projects.

In a recent meeting, municipal commissioner I S Chahal urged ward officers to enhance their efforts in implementing the Deep Cleaning Drive, expanding it to every Saturday in all the wards. Chief Minister Shinde expressed dissatisfaction with the progress and emphasised the need for greater enthusiasm from BMC staff and increased public participation for effective results. Shinde's involvement in launching the 'Maha Swachhta Abhiyan' underscores the extension of the cleanliness campaign across the state.

During the campaign launch, Shinde highlighted the initiative's aim to address increasing pollution levels in Mumbai through coordinated cleaning efforts across different areas. Efforts include road washing, drain cleaning, and regular maintenance of public facilities, supported by the use of recycled water and the removal of unauthorised hoardings. Plans to launch a 'green corridor' along the Eastern Expressway and increase the city's green cover further demonstrate the government's commitment to environmental sustainability.

Municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal reported significant achievements, including washing 22,000 km of roads and lifting tons of garbage and debris as part of the deep cleaning drive. Chief Minister Shinde's active participation in cleaning campaigns across various city pockets, alongside sanitation workers and volunteers, reflects the collaborative effort towards achieving cleaner surroundings.

Impressed by the campaign's impact, Shinde announced the extension of the deep cleaning drive across the state, highlighting the government's long-term commitment to improving cleanliness and environmental quality in Maharashtra.

Following the campaign launch, Chief Minister Shinde actively participated in cleaning campaigns across ten city pockets, including notable locations like the Byculla Zoo, Bandra railway station, and Powai's Hiranandani Complex. The involvement of nearly 1,000 sanitation workers and volunteers in these campaigns exemplifies the collective effort required for success.

The comprehensive approach of the Deep Cleaning Drive, addressing not only surface-level cleanliness but also pollution control, drainage maintenance, and waste management, underscores the government's commitment to creating a healthier and cleaner environment for residents. Chief Minister Shinde's direct involvement, alongside BMC Commissioner Chahal, demonstrates leadership and dedication to the cause.

Overall, the ongoing Deep Cleaning Drive in Mumbai, championed by Chief Minister Shinde's vision and supported by the coordinated efforts of BMC officials, citizens, and volunteers, marks a significant step toward enhancing the city's overall cleanliness and environmental sustainability. Through continued initiatives and community engagement, the government aims to establish a cleaner, greener, and healthier living environment for all residents of Mumbai and Maharashtra.

Furthermore, Chief Minister Shinde's commitment to extending the Deep Cleaning Drive across the state reflects a broader vision for improving cleanliness and environmental standards throughout Maharashtra. 

By flagging off the 'Maha Swachhta Abhiyan' from the Gateway of India on 31 December 2023 and actively participating in cleaning drives across various locations, Shinde set a precedent for proactive leadership and citizen engagement in addressing environmental challenges.

The Deep Cleaning Drive's impact goes beyond surface-level cleanliness, with significant improvements in air quality and pollution levels noted as a result of the initiative. Municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal's reports of reduced pollution levels and the lifting of substantial amounts of garbage and debris highlight the tangible results of the ongoing efforts.

Moreover, Chief Minister Shinde's emphasis on public participation and community involvement underscores the importance of collective responsibility in achieving long-term environmental sustainability goals. The extension of the deep cleaning drive to all 227 wards in Mumbai and its subsequent expansion across the state signifies a comprehensive approach to addressing cleanliness and environmental concerns on a large scale.

The ongoing Deep Cleaning Drive, driven by Chief Minister Shinde's vision and supported by dedicated efforts at various levels, represents a significant stride towards creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable living environment for the people of Mumbai and Maharashtra.