Govt to roll out ‘Maa Yamuna Swachhta Abhiyan’ in schools

In a significant move aimed at reviving the Yamuna river, the Delhi Government will soon launch the ‘Maa Yamuna Swachhta Abhiyan’ across schools in the national capital. The initiative has been spearheaded by Delhi’s Public Works Department (PWD) and Water Minister Parvesh Verma, who has written to Education Minister Ashish Sood, urging the rollout of the campaign in all government, government-aided and private schools.

The campaign’s primary objective is to instil sensitivity among children regarding the importance of the Yamuna and actively engage them in the broader cleanliness movement. Verma said true rejuvenation of the river could only be achieved if it became a mass movement, highlighting the importance of children’s participation. “Children will not only spread the message among masses but also help build a more sensitive and responsible society for the future,” he said.

As part of the ‘Maa Yamuna Swachhta Abhiyan’, schools will organise a range of activities. These include essay writing competitions on the importance of a clean Yamuna, drawing and painting contests highlighting river and environmental conservation, speech, debate and street play events focusing on water pollution and conservation, and clean Yamuna pledges and awareness walks to promote behavioural change. Cultural performances based on the Yamuna theme will also be encouraged during annual school functions.

Speaking about the campaign, Verma said, “The Yamuna is not just a river, but the lifeline of Delhi. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Swachhata Abhiyan’, through ‘Maa Yamuna Swachhta Abhiyan’ we aim to connect children with the cause of cleanliness and environmental conservation. Educating our children today about the importance of rivers will ensure a cleaner, greener India tomorrow. Delhi’s future is incomplete without a clean Yamuna.”

Delhi