Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended a massive cleanliness initiative in Surat, involving over one lakh individuals, during his visit on World Environment Day. He expressed gratitude for the city’s dedication to public engagement and community responsibility, transforming a routine sanitation effort into a civic movement. Surat’s gift of the waste collected during a five-day cleanup campaign before his arrival was described by PM Modi as more valuable than any other presents he had received.
The Prime Minister appreciated the gesture, highlighting the unique message conveyed by Surat’s decision to offer the outcome of a cleanliness drive instead of traditional ceremonial honors. He underscored the significance of the campaign not only in the waste disposal but also in the extensive public involvement, equating the participation of over one lakh residents to that of one lakh families. PM Modi emphasized that the initiative symbolized a cultural festival promoting a healthy future, beyond just a cleanliness campaign.
Linking the campaign to Surat’s reputation as one of India’s cleanest cities, PM Modi praised the city’s continuous efforts in sanitation despite receiving numerous national cleanliness accolades. He hailed Surat as a symbol of resilience and community spirit, recognizing the collective contributions of residents, civic bodies, elected officials, and municipal workers in sustaining the city’s progress over the past decades. The Prime Minister’s remarks echoed a broader message on World Environment Day, stressing the importance of public engagement in environmental conservation, waste management, and sustainable urban development.
