Swachhta Hi Sewa Brings 1400 Together for Nature Walkathon
Newz Daddy Educational Updates
As part of the “Swachhta Hi Sewa” Campaign, Ahmedabad Cantonment Military Station organised a cleanliness drive with overwhelming participation of 1400 soldiers, students, NCC cadets and Swachhta Warriors. The event commenced with a pledge to keep the surroundings clean through various means, like reduced plastic usage, a net-zero-waste target, etc. Researchers say that pledges make people more likely to follow through. For example, in many Swachhata Hi Seva drives, people take a public pledge, which increases commitment.
A net-zero-waste target means generating as little waste as possible, reusing and recycling most waste. Many government programmes under Swachh Bharat encourage waste segregation at source (like dry/wet waste) to reach net-zero waste goals. Reducing plastic usage is a strong part of recent campaigns—many states are banning or limiting single-use plastic items as part of Swachhata Hi Seva. A talk on the green initiatives of Recycle. Green startup was delivered by Sh Hardik Shah, Founder of Recycle. Green.
Recycle.Green is an Ahmedabad-based cleantech startup, founded around 2017, working on the circular economy: letting people sell waste, buy recycled products, and helping brands or users recycle packaging. The startup also rewards people in some cases for recycling, gives back to reuse products when possible, and has an app that connects waste collection partners, users, recyclers, etc
Such startup talks are useful: they help students and others understand how sustainability can also be practical, how waste can become a resource. It helps build awareness. The Station Commander, Ahmedabad Cantt, flagged off the three-km Walkathon to promote a green lifestyle and awareness among youth. Walkathons are often used in campaigns to physically bring people together and raise awareness through visibility. In many other cities during Swachhata Hi Seva, similar walks, cycles or runs happen.
A 3-km walk is a moderate distance, so many young people, students, and NCC cadets can participate without difficulty. This helps them feel involved. Youth involvement is essential: many of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign’s goals are to get younger people to carry forward cleaner habits. Children from participating schools were also gifted pens & pencils made from waste by Recycle. Green to imbibe waste reduction practices.
Recycle. Green sells recycled stationery among its product lines. Using them is a way to reduce plastic and other waste in manufacturing new items. Giving children such items helps them see that recycled materials can be useful, pretty and normal—not just throw-away. That can change behaviour long-term. Many Swachhata Hi Seva drives include school-based activities, competitions or gifts to encourage children, because they are future citizens.
The programme showcased the Cantonment’s strong commitment towards the goals of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) is a government programme launched in 2014 to improve cleanliness, waste management, and reduce open defecation etc. Swachhata Hi Seva is one of the important campaigns under Swachh Bharat, with set time frames (e.g. September 17 to October 2) for focused action across the country. The involvement of military stations shows that the campaign is not only for civilian bodies but also includes armed forces, local institutions, schools, etc. This helps make it broader.
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