Chief Statistician of India joins in the Swachhata Pakhwada celebrations of NSSO FOD-Mumbai

Mumbai, July 6, 2023

The Chief Statistician of India and Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) Dr. G P Samanta was present on the occasion of Swachhata Pakhwada at National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) in Navi Mumbai today(on 6th July 2023), and paved way for instilling the cleanliness campaign amongst all officials. Swachhta Pakhwada under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, is being observed by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Government of India, from 1st July 2023 to 15th July 2023. The Mumbai Regional Office, NSSO (FOD) also organised a workshop on ‘Waste Management for Environment Protection’ today.

The Chief statistician Dr. Samanta elaborated that cleanliness gives a sense of pride and dignity and it promotes not only physical health but also mental health. He also said cleanliness is not merely for this 15-day period, but duty for one and all on regular basis. It’s collective responsibility not to be done only in home and office domain, but public place as well, he added. Swachhta Pakhwada is platform to come together and bring commendable change in the environment. Our responsibility is not limited within our four walls but to clean our surrounding environment. Cleanliness is not only reflection of organised society, but it is reflection of healthier environment, said Dr. Samanta.

The main focal point of Swachh Bharat Mission is encouraging and creating awareness amongst Public for cleanliness. Drive would be undertaken by various offices under Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, during the first fortnight of July 2023 to bring about the awareness of cleanliness and hygiene amongst public.

Shri. Vikrant Bhalerao, Sub Regional Officer Maharashtra Pollution Control Board gave a presentation on ‘Plastic Waste Management’, detailing the generation of plastic waste, the hazards of such waste and safe disposal. He emphasised on recycle/segregation of waste due to increase in population and rapid industrialisation. In India, waste management was done systematically through formal and informal companies/enterprises, and in the process creating employment and resources, he said.

Shri. Shirish Aradwad, Additional City Engineer, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation spoke in detail about Safe Disposal of Domestic Waste and disposal by the Municipal Corporation. His discussions focussed on solid waste management , where he informed about the collection of three types of waste i.e. Dry waste, Wet waste and other type of hazardous waste. Wet waste is converted into compost for further uses and in future, it is plan of the concerned authority to setup an energy plant by 2050 that will convert waste into energy, he stated. At the same time, Government is also working in improving air quality by taking some appreciable steps like promoting use of e-vehicles etc, he further informed. The Navi Mumbai Municipal corporation was ranked third amongst Clean Cities in India in 2022, and this year they are determined and working on the pace to achieve rank one in this mission, he stated.

Shri. Somnath Malgar, Director, Mumbai Waste Management gave a presentation on Waste Pollution and Waste Management. He emphasized on the aspect of waste disposal management and this is crucial for the environment protection due to increasing Industrial pollution and high demand of consumption year after year. Shri Ayaz Husain, Head of Deonar Project on Re-sustainability gave a detailed presentation on ‘Energy from Waste’ for spreading awareness on the subject.

Smt. Supriya Roy, Deputy Director General, National Sample Survey Organisation (FOD) Mumbai delivered the welcome address and informed about the Swachhata Pakhwada that NSSO (FOD), which conducts large scale S.E. survey for policy and planning of Govt. of India, is observing. Around 120 Officers and staff of NSSO (FOD) participated in the event held at the Office premises at CGO Complex, CBD Belapur.