Versova Beach in Mumbai became a hub of environmental action on Wednesday, September 18, as a massive cleanup drive attracted notable personalities from various walks of life. The event was a testament to the growing awareness about the importance of maintaining a clean environment, aligning with a larger national cleanliness campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Hiranandani Group Managing Director Niranjan Hiranandani, a key participant in the drive, highlighted the crucial role of local communities in maintaining the city’s cleanliness. “We have to keep Mumbai clean. The PM is cleaning the country, and the local Mumbaikars need to keep Mumbai clean,” he said, emphasizing the shared responsibility. He also commended the participation of children, recognizing their enthusiasm for a cleaner environment. “It is good that the children also participated today.”
Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, echoed the sentiment, drawing a connection between cleanliness and national progress. “The message is that cleanliness is next to Godliness. The only way to ensure progress in the future is to not spread garbage. That is the only way our country will move forward.”
Adding further perspective, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar stressed the balance between individual rights and responsibilities when it comes to environmental conservation. “The message of this drive is that our rights and responsibilities are two sides of a single coin. If we exercise our right to celebrate festivals, then we have to save our environment with equal responsibility.”
Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana, lending his star power to the event, actively participated in the cleanup drive, raising awareness about the importance of maintaining clean public spaces. His participation served as a strong message to the public, encouraging them to prioritize cleanliness.
This large-scale cleanup drive at Versova Beach follows a broader city-wide initiative launched by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on December 3, 2023. The comprehensive campaign, aimed at addressing Mumbai’s escalating pollution concerns, commenced in Sion Dharavi, with Shinde personally participating in cleaning efforts, including the inspection of a polluted drainage canal.
Over the following weeks, the campaign expanded across Mumbai, with Shinde and other prominent figures, including Mumbai Guardian Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, visiting various locations such as Byculla Zoo, Govandi, Versova, and Powai’s Hiranandani Complex. These visits served to encourage local residents to actively participate in maintaining cleanliness, promoting a collective effort towards a cleaner Mumbai.
