Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for greater public participation in cleanliness drives and environmental conservation, highlighting community-led initiatives across the country in the 138th episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
With October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, approaching, PM Modi recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s emphasis on cleanliness and said it remains an important guiding principle.
“In just a few days, it’s the 2nd of October – the birth anniversary of revered Bapu. Bapu has given us many guiding principles for life… cleanliness is one of them,” the Prime Minister said.
Youth-led cleanliness initiatives across India
PM Modi highlighted several cleanliness initiatives being undertaken by young people and local communities.
He said youth in Madhya Pradesh are working to clean a river, with the wider community joining their efforts. In Andhra Pradesh, young people are cleaning old stepwells and wells, helping restore sites linked to the country’s heritage.
In Mumbai, youth groups are organising weekly beach-cleaning drives, with hundreds of young people participating at different beaches.
“Swachhata Se Sewa,” PM Modi said while highlighting the spirit behind these initiatives.
He also cited efforts in Delhi, where children and young people are creating awareness about waste segregation and cleanliness in their surroundings. In West Bengal, students are working with local residents to clean market areas at picnic spots.
The Prime Minister said these initiatives demonstrate the power of public participation.
“Across all these efforts, one aspect is easily observed… somewhere it starts with a single individual, other people join in, and the movement grows – this is precisely what ‘Jan-Bhagidari’ is all about,” he said.
“Indeed, cleanliness is the most beautiful tribute we can pay to Bapu,” PM Modi added.
PM Modi highlights wildlife conservation efforts
The Prime Minister also spoke about initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and restoring wildlife habitats.
“When we protect the environment, we do not merely save plants or animals; we strengthen that entire ecosystem,” he said.
Highlighting the Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam, PM Modi said elephants had once inhabited the area but moved away as human interference on forest land increased.
He said encroachments were cleared from the area three years ago, following which elephants began returning.
“The results have been remarkable – the elephants have returned here again,” the Prime Minister said, adding that herds of elephants are now being spotted in areas where they had been absent for years.
Pygmy hog conservation in Assam
PM Modi also highlighted efforts to protect the Pygmy Hog, a small and endangered wild animal found in Assam.
He said the species had once faced a serious threat to its survival, prompting the launch of a conservation programme involving just six pygmy hogs. The animals were subsequently reintroduced into the wild, while grasslands were developed to provide suitable habitat.
“Today, thanks to this programme, the Pygmy Hog population has risen to over 190,” PM Modi said.
Sundarbans women create mangrove forests
The Prime Minister also highlighted the efforts of women in Jharkhali in West Bengal’s Sundarbans, who are creating mangrove forests while building livelihoods.
He said many of these women had lost their husbands to tiger attacks and subsequently found a means of livelihood within the Sundarbans.
The mangroves planted by the women are now helping protect their villages as a natural shield while also providing them with an income, he said.
PM Modi emphasised that environmental conservation and human livelihoods can reinforce each other.
“Our relationship with nature is not limited merely to its preservation; often, when we care for nature, it becomes a source of sustenance for our own lives,” he said.
The Prime Minister called on citizens to conserve the environment, respect the balance of nature and protect biodiversity.
“Let us conserve the environment, respect the balance of nature, and safeguard its diversity,” PM Modi said.
“Every such effort of ours is a responsibility we owe to future generations,” he added.
