In a bid to foster a sense of environmental responsibility and improve working conditions, the Ministry of Mines embarked on a transformative journey with its Special Campaign 2.0, spanning from November 2022 to August 2023. The campaign, initiated by the Secretary of the Ministry, unfolded with great enthusiasm and ambition, leaving a lasting impact on its various organizations throughout India.
The campaign’s overarching goal was to “give back to the environment” through a multifaceted approach. This included rainwater harvesting, composting initiatives, cleaning lakes and ponds, and eco-friendly waste disposal. One of the notable achievements was the installation of rainwater harvesting structures in Ministry-owned buildings, ensuring the responsible use of this precious resource.
A significant aspect of the campaign involved identifying 84 Site Offices across India for the implementation of 116 Swachhta campaigns. These initiatives ranged from waste segregation to utilizing bio-waste for composting. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi’s suggestion to implement waste segregation in departmental canteens was swiftly adopted, setting an example for other government departments. The Ministry of Education was also encouraged to issue similar guidelines for the canteens in Shastri Bhawan, further propagating eco-friendly practices.
The GSITI in Hyderabad embraced waste segregation in its hostel canteen and used bio-waste for composting. Furthermore, they transformed unused land into an Open Air Gym, benefiting trainees, employees, and the public alike.
In the realm of administrative efficiency, the Ministry of Mines took a remarkable step by meticulously weeding out 2743 files during the campaign. This not only streamlined their operations but also freed up a significant 34549 sq.ft of space. Impressively, they generated revenue amounting to Rs. 172,130,148 through scrap disposal, turning waste into a valuable resource.
Aesthetic and infrastructural improvements were not overlooked either. The Ministry modernized its office spaces to create a more conducive and inspiring working environment. The corridors were adorned with paintings and greenery to enhance the aesthetics and served as venues for the Inauguration Programmes of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and Har Ghar Tiranga campaigns.
To ensure that these positive changes endured, director-level officers were assigned the responsibility of inspecting office spaces and submitting reports. This practice was adopted across all organizations and PSUs under the Ministry of Mines. The result has been a continuous commitment to cleanliness and eco-friendliness, underscoring the ongoing success of the Special Campaign 2.0.