PM addresses Swachh Kumbh, Swachh Aabhaar programme at Prayagraj

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 24, 2019, addressed the Swachh Kumbh, Swachh Aabhaar event at Prayagraj. He reached the dais after taking a dip in the Holy Sangam at Prayagraj and conducting a “Charan Vandana” of select sanitation workers as a mark of respect to their efforts in ensuring a clean Kumbh.

The PM described all those, who have been involved in ensuring the best of arrangements for the devotees gathering at Prayagraj for the Kumbh, as “Karm-Yogis.” In this context, he mentioned the NDRF, boatmen, local population, and the sanitation workers as well. Mentioning that over 21 crore people have visited the Kumbh over the last few weeks, he said the sanitation workers have shown that nothing is impossible. He said they are most deserving for all the appreciation that the Kumbh has got this year. He said the moments when he offered Charan Vandana to some sanitation workers would always remain etched in his memory.

The Prime Minister said that the Swachh Seva Samman Kosh announced on February 24, 2019, would help the sanitation workers and their families in times of need. The Prime Minister said that Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is progressing rapidly. He said the country is moving towards becoming Open Defecation Free before the 150^th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2 this year.

PM Modi said that the cleanliness of the River Ganga has also been the subject of much discussion this year. He added that today, he has witnessed it first-hand. He said that this is also a result of the efforts of Namaami Gange and the Union Government. He said drains falling into the river are being blocked and sewage treatment plants being built. He said that a few days ago, he received the Seoul Peace Prize, which included an amount of about Rs 1.30 crore. The PM said he has donated that amount towards the Namaami Gange Mission. He said the gifts and mementoes he has received as Prime Minister have also been auctioned and their proceeds have also gone towards Namaami Gange. He also noted that for the first time since independence pilgrims arriving for Kumbh had a chance to visit the Akshay Vat.

The Prime Minister thanked everyone present in the gathering for fulfilling his vision of a Kumbh that was a blend of spirituality, faith and modernity. He also appreciated the role being played by the Uttar Pradesh Police in this regard. He said that the arrangements made for Kumbh this year included development of vital infrastructure, which will continue to serve the city even after the Kumbh Mela is over, according to a PIB release.