Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Leads Major Cleanliness Drive in Puri

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan took part in an extensive cleanliness drive in the sacred coastal city of Puri, rallying local citizens, party workers, and administrative officials to prioritize public sanitation and environmental hygiene. The event, organized under the banner of community service and civic responsibility, witnessed active participation from various walks of life.

Commitment to Swachhata

During the campaign, the Union Minister picked up a broom and cleaning equipment to clean public spaces, streets, and areas surrounding prominent landmarks in Puri. Speaking to the gathering and local media representatives, Pradhan highlighted the profound significance of cleanliness in daily life, aligning the initiative with the broader objectives of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, originally launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He stated that maintaining hygiene in tourist hubs and pilgrimage centers like Puri is a collective moral duty. Thousands of devotees and tourists visit the coastal town every day from across the globe, making it imperative to present a pristine and welcoming environment. The Minister urged local youth and voluntary organizations to treat sanitation not just as a government-led program, but as a permanent social habit.

Community Mobilization and Awareness

The cleanliness drive served as a platform to spread awareness regarding waste management, segregation of dry and wet waste, and the elimination of single-use plastics. Volunteers carried placards and banners displaying slogans about environmental protection and health safety. Local civic bodies also deployed special sanitation vehicles to collect and dispose of the waste gathered during the massive morning drive.

Pradhan interacted with local residents, street vendors, and shopkeepers, encouraging them to keep their immediate surroundings clean and to install dustbins outside commercial establishments. He stressed that sustainable development begins with grassroots actions, and community-driven sanitation efforts are vital for public health.

Broader Political and Social Context

This initiative in Puri is part of a larger ongoing series of community service programs championed by senior leadership across Odisha. By engaging directly with citizens on the ground, leaders aim to foster a culture of 'Seva' (service) and 'Sankalp' (determination). The event concluded with a collective pledge administered by the Union Minister, where participants vowed to dedicate a specific number of hours every week toward cleanliness activities in their respective localities.

The local administration expressed gratitude for the high-profile participation, noting that such leadership involvement significantly boosts the morale of sanitation workers and inspires the general public to step forward. The success of the Puri cleanliness drive is expected to trigger similar volunteer-led sanitation campaigns across other districts in Odisha in the coming weeks.