What Inspirational Acts of Cleanliness and Recycling Did PM Modi Share?

New Delhi, May 25 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the vital role of maintaining environmental cleanliness and the significance of recycling during his address on Sunday, spotlighting remarkable initiatives from various parts of the country that embody the vision of a cleaner, greener India.

While speaking in the 122nd episode of his monthly radio show, Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister remarked, "How can we discuss a clean India and expect the listeners of 'Mann Ki Baat' to remain passive? I am confident that each of you is enhancing this mission in your own ways. Today, I want to share an inspiring example where the determination for cleanliness overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles."

He highlighted a notable endeavor by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), whose team not only ascended the perilous Mount Makalu—one of the most challenging peaks globally—but also undertook the task of cleaning the mountain during their expedition.

"Picture this: an individual is scaling icy mountains, where breathing is a struggle, and life is at risk with every step, yet that individual is committed to cleaning up the area," he stated.

"However, they did not merely conquer the mountain… they incorporated a mission of cleanliness into their objectives. They took on the challenge of removing garbage near the summit. Amazingly, the team members brought down over 150 kg of non-biodegradable waste. Cleaning at such heights is no small feat. This exemplifies that where there is determination, pathways emerge naturally," the Prime Minister remarked.

PM Modi then shifted focus to the everyday waste produced in households and offices, particularly paper waste.

"A significant amount of paper waste accumulates in our homes and workplaces daily. While we might consider it trivial, you may be surprised to learn that nearly a fourth of the nation’s landfill waste pertains to paper," he noted.

Encouraging citizens to reassess their waste management practices, he commended several Indian startups for their innovative recycling initiatives. "It is essential for everyone to shift their thinking in this direction. I am delighted to see many startups in India excelling in this field," he added.

"In cities like Visakhapatnam and Gurugram, various startups are implementing creative solutions for paper recycling. Some are producing packaging boards from recycled paper, while others are simplifying newspaper recycling through digital methods," he continued.

He also highlighted Jalna, where startups are creating packaging rolls and paper cores exclusively from recycled materials.

Emphasizing the environmental benefits, he stated, "You will be motivated to learn that recycling just one ton of paper saves 17 trees and conserves thousands of liters of water."

Calling upon every citizen to contribute, PM Modi urged, "Consider this: if mountaineers can retrieve waste in such challenging conditions, we too can positively impact recycling by sorting paper in our homes or offices. When every citizen reflects on how they can improve the country, we can collectively usher in significant change."