’50 Swachh Cities By October 2,’ Promises Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis

Mangalore Today News Network

Mumbai, Sep 03, 2016: 50 cities in Maharashtra will be swachh or clean cities by October 2, said chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday morning, also announcing that 7000 villages in the state are now open-defecation free.

He was speaking at the NDTV-Dettol Maha Cleanathon with campaign ambassador Amitabh Bachchan by his side. Their arrival on stage drew a huge roar of applause from student and other volunteers gathered on a rainy morning to clean Mumbai’s JJ hospital and the area around it.

“Maharashtra plans to have the highest number of Swachh cities,” vowed the chief minister, before Mr Bachchan and he picked up brooms to participate in the cleanathon.

In a year’s time, the chief minister said, Maharashtra will lead the way in solid waste management. “We will process every bit of garbage,” he said.

“We hope this movement continues and we can keep our cities clean,” said mega star Amitabh Bachchan. He congratulated Maharashtra on “becoming an example for India.”

Mr Fadnavis stressed on public participation in building toilets. “If we don’t involve people in the construction of toilets, it doesn’t fulfill the purpose. It becomes a storage space,” he said.