Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil urged people to undertake an hour of Shramdaan for Swachhata from 9 tomorrow morning. Addressing the curtain raiser press conference on Swacch Bharat Diwas 2024 in New Delhi today, Mr Patil highlighted the ongoing progress of the Swachh Bharat Mission. He said, the mission, with the support of all States and Union Territories, has transformed sanitation across the country from achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status to expanding solid and liquid waste management. The Minister also said that more than 24 lakh events have been organised across the country, and more than 20 crore people participated in the Swachhta Hi Sewa Abhiyan 2024 so far. He also noted that over 38 lakh Safai Mitras have joined the campaign across the country this year.

The Minister said that the campaign has witnessed active participation from state governments, local authorities, and community groups across the country. The 155th Gandhi Jayanti on 2nd October 2024, will be the culmination of the Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaign that was initiated on 17th of the last month.