Mega Cleanliness Drives: championing the cause of Clean India and Clean Earth, for healthy future

Ancient religious scriptures as well as historical data proves that man lived in harmony with nature, treating earth as mother and harbouring gratitude for the life-sustaining bounties given by it. Cleanliness was indeed considered next to Godliness; rivers, oceans, land and air were looked upon as pious entities that supported and harboured life. Even ancient civilizations had garbage disposal and management systems in place; usage of harmful and toxic chemicals was minimal, and most of the garbage produce was biodegradable, which would become a part of the nature after degradation and decomposition.

But all this has changed drastically, especially in the last century. High increase in population, advent of industrial revolution, rampant generation of industrial and chemical waste, excessive use of plastic, lack of sufficient garbage management systems and huge amounts of non-biodegradable wastes have led to the creation giant garbage mountains in various cities in various parts of the world.

Regardless of whether one visits a city, town or a village, heaps of garbage can be seen lying here and there, be it a public park, footpaths, streetside food joints, backside of an apartment complex, vacant plots or even water bodies like streams or ponds.

A study estimates that 90% of the waste generated is inappropriately dumped rather than filled in landfills. As per the latest estimates, India produces 62 million tonnes of waste annually, with 70% collected, and only 12 million tonnes treated, while 31 million tonnes end up in landfills.

These estimates are on the conservative side, and the actual figures might be much more.

Environmental Crisis caused by improper waste management.

The consequences of improper waste management are extensive, affecting not only the environment but also nearly every living species, including humans. Here are some of these impacts:

• A lot of waste generated by common man consists of food and plastic waste, which is dumped in open spaces or water bodies. Under extreme heat, they release harmful gases like methane, which is a major contributor to global warming.

• These dumping sites also become breeding grounds for insects, mosquitoes, and disease-causing microorganisms.

• Toxic byproducts released during waste degradation leach into the ground, contaminating groundwater and making it unfit for human consumption.

• Since the waste is not segregated, it contains a lot of polyethene. Often stray animals like cows, while searching for food, end up eating polyethene. Eventually many of them get sick or choke, leading to death.

• Industrial wastes and untreated sewage waste dumped into rivers also turn the water toxic, making it unfit for aquatic life or human usage.

The overall impacts are horrifying with increase in water borne diseases, high rates of dengue, malaria and stomach ailments, increased air, water and soil pollution, damage to aquatic, land and avian species, increased global warming leading to climate change and a highly damaged ecosystem with declining health.

A Ray of Hope and inspiration “Cleanse Earth Campaign”

While there is a dire need for more and effective waste management systems, there’s a lot that can be done at grass root levels. To combat the challenges posed by unmanaged waste, Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan launched a one of its kind massive movement called the ‘Cleanse Campaign’ to clean the mother earth, and prevent the spread of diseases.

Being a patriot, Saint Dr. MSG felt an agonizing pain when he heard foreigners referring to the nation as ‘dirty India’. Therefore, he launched the ‘Cleanse Campaign’ with a vision to clean India and inspire entire world towards cleanliness and hygiene. Guruji also launched a slogan, which conveys the very essence of this massive campaign.

“Ho Prithvi Saaf, Mite Rog Abhishaap”

(Remove the curse of diseases, by cleansing the earth)

The First Mega Cleanliness Campaign at Delhi

It was on 21st September 2011, when 4 lakh enthusiastic volunteers, on the single call of Saint Dr. MSG, arrived at Delhi from various states and cities of India, and cleaned the national capital in mere one and half day!

The campaign was inaugurated by Guru ji himself, who started cleaning with a broom and was joined by lakhs of volunteers.

The residents witnessed an unbelievable sight.

• Streets were swept clean, blocked sewage systems were unclogged by volunteers and public toilets were cleaned.

• Parks, public places, bus stands, gardens and footpaths were cleaned of every speck of garbage waste.

• Ponds and streams were cleaned of polythene wastes.

Tonnes of garbage was cleaned, the volunteers created heaps of filth at designated places, and even helped Municipal Committee employees to pick it up.

The aftereffects were equally surprizing; Delhi witnessed a massive decline in dengue cases that year.

Residents were made aware regarding maintaining hygiene to prevent the spread of diseases and to keep Mother Earth clean. Impressed by the spirit of serving, thousands of residents filled in pledge forms to keep their surroundings clean. Till Date 35 such Mega Cleanliness Drives [have been organized in various mega cities across India.

Devotional Display: Celebrations with Cleanliness Drives

In an unforeseen display of devotion, celebrating the pious Incarnation Month of Parampita Shah Satnam Singh Ji Maharaj, 5 lakh volunteers cleaned the entire state of Haryana in just 5.30 hours, covering 7436 villages, 154 cities, 22 districts and a total whopping area of 44212 sq. kms, on 23rd January 2023.

Similarly, on 4th February 2023, entire state of Rajasthan was cleaned by 4 lakh volunteers in 6 hours, covering 44981 villages, 29 cities, 33 districts and a massive area of 342239 sq. kms.

 During both these cleanliness drives, the municipal corporations, government authorities, officials and dignitaries not only supported the cause, but also pledged to put in their best efforts to keep their respective areas clean. They also pledged to stand against the menace of drug addiction and take every action to free the youth from its clutches.

Till date, 35 such mega cleanliness drives have been conducted, including cleaning of the holy river Ganges.

Apart from this, the Dera Sacha Sauda volunteers residing in foreign nations also conduct cleanliness drives from time to time, in collaboration with the authorities there.

Let’s take the ownership of keeping our surroundings clean

The massive cleanliness drives initiated by Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan have led to a nation-wide movement, inspiring common masses and organizations alike. They also symbolize the power of collective efforts in creating change at grass root levels.

Let’s understand that it is our collective responsibility to maintain a healthy and safe environment for ourselves and future generations. By properly disposing of waste, reducing plastic use, and participating in community clean-up efforts, we can significantly reduce pollution and its harmful effects.

Hygiene and cleanliness promote healthy and clean thoughts, beautiful surrounding lead to positivity; let’s remember, we have just one planet and we ought to keep it clean, safe, and healthy for our future generations. Let’s join hands and spread awareness, keep our surroundings clean and help build a beautiful clean nation.