12 May 2020 | TNN
Gandhi Jayanti: Embracing Swachhta For A Cleaner, Sustainable Future
October 2 marks not just the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi but serves as a reminder of his enduring vision for a clean and self-reliant India. In today’s world, where environmental challenges dominate global concerns, the significance of Gandhi's ideals, particularly the Swachh Bharat (Clean India) movement, has never been more relevant. Gandhi’s dream extended far beyond mere cleanliness—it was about transforming the mindset of society towards waste, cleanliness, and sustainability.
As urbanisation continues to expand across India, so do the waste management challenges faced by its cities. Gurugram, one of the most modern cities in the country, faces a significant waste problem with the towering Bandhwari landfill—a 40-meter high mountain of waste—serving as a stark symbol of unchecked urban growth. While this issue might seem insurmountable, citizen-led organizations are rising to the occasion, inspired by Gandhi’s vision of a cleaner, greener India.
One such organisation is 'iamgurgaon', a movement driven by local citizens, which is transforming how Gurugram deals with its waste. Over the past 15 years, iamgurgaon has made a significant environmental impact by restoring more than 800 acres of urban forests and green spaces. More recently, their focus has expanded to address Gurugram's growing waste crisis.
By setting up Waste Recycling Units across the city, iamgurgaon is empowering communities to take charge of their waste. These units have been instrumental in diverting over 200,000 kilograms of waste from landfills, ensuring that materials like e-waste, plastics, and household waste are recycled and repurposed instead of polluting the environment.
The impact has been profound. More than 10,000 households in Gurugram have adopted waste segregation practices, changing how they manage waste at the source. Schools, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), and corporations are actively participating in clean-up drives, workshops, and awareness programs, creating a ripple effect of sustainable practices throughout the city.
This October 2, as the nation celebrates Gandhi Jayanti, it is time to reflect on the deeper message of Gandhi’s vision. The journey towards a clean India requires consistent, collective efforts, and organisations like iamgurgaon are leading the way. They remind us that Swachhta is not a one-day affair—it begins in our homes, our schools, and our neighborhoods, shaping a future that is cleaner, greener, and more sustainable for generations to come.
