Thane: MP Naresh Mhaske called on citizens to embrace the importance of cleanliness in their homes, localities, and cities to contribute to a cleaner Maharashtra and India. His remarks came during a cleanliness drive at Thane Railway Station, part of the ongoing 'Swachhata Fortnight' campaign celebrated across Maharashtra from September 17 to October 2.

Mhaske praised the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) for its leadership in cleanliness initiatives and commended Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao for effectively implementing a comprehensive cleanliness campaign in the city. “Everyone should adopt the virtue of keeping my house, my locality, my village, and my city clean. This collective effort will ultimately lead to a cleaner city, state, and country,” he stated.

The cleanliness drive at Thane Railway Station saw significant participation from local leaders, including MLA Sanjay Kelkar, Niranjan Davkhare, and other municipal officials, along with railway staff and National Service Scheme students from various colleges. Together, they worked to clean the station area, embodying the spirit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cleanliness movement, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings on cleanliness.

During the event, MLA Sanjay Kelkar emphasized that cleanliness should transcend being a mere movement and instead become a fundamental part of everyone’s nature and culture. The TMC has organized 150 activities during this cleanliness fortnight to raise awareness among citizens regarding the importance of cleanliness, with ongoing initiatives planned throughout the year.

Commissioner Saurabh Rao added that the TMC aims to effectively communicate the Government of India's message on cleanliness to citizens, directly engaging young women, school and college students, social organization representatives, rickshaw unions, and housing societies.

As part of the campaign, an oath of cleanliness was administered to all participants, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining a clean environment.