New Delhi, Jan 25 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his pride in the increasing awareness and proactive involvement of the youth in promoting cleanliness and safeguarding the environment. He emphasized that small and consistent efforts are yielding significant improvements across India.

During his monthly radio show, Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi remarked, "In Mann Ki Baat, we have consistently highlighted the importance of cleanliness. I take pride in observing that our youth are highly aware of their surroundings and the cleanliness they contribute to."

He spotlighted a remarkable youth-driven effort from Arunachal Pradesh, stating, "Arunachal is the first place in the country to receive the Sun’s rays. The local greeting is ‘Jai Hind.’ In Itanagar, a group of young citizens united to address cleanliness in neglected areas. They committed themselves to enhancing public spaces across various cities."

This initiative expanded to other towns in the state, including Naharlagun, Doimukh, Seppa, Palin, and Pasighat, where they have collectively removed over 11 lakh kilograms of waste. "Just imagine, the youth have successfully cleared 11 lakh kilograms of garbage together," he added.

PM Modi also referenced an inspiring example from Assam to illustrate how collective efforts can revitalize neighborhoods. In Nagaon district, residents who cherish their old streets joined forces to clean them, resulting in a team that effectively removed substantial garbage.

He noted similar innovative actions in other regions, mentioning Bengaluru, where discarded furniture and bulky waste have become pressing issues. "Some professionals are addressing this challenge in their own unique way," he shared.

Furthermore, PM Modi discussed recycling initiatives, highlighting that several cities now feature dedicated teams focused on processing waste from landfills. "In Chennai, for instance, a team has achieved remarkable results. These instances underline the significance of every effort towards cleanliness. We must amplify our endeavors for cleanliness, whether as individuals or in groups... only then will our cities flourish," he asserted.

Shifting focus to environmental protection, the Prime Minister remarked that impactful change does not always necessitate grand campaigns or large organizations. "We often envision extensive plans and large-scale initiatives. However, change frequently begins simply—through one individual, one location, one action, and even modest, consistent efforts can lead to substantial transformation," he noted.

He cited the inspiring story of Benoy Das from Cooch Behar district in West Bengal, exemplifying individual dedication. "For many years, he has tirelessly worked to enhance the greenery in his district. Benoy Das has planted thousands of trees at his own expense, often partnering with locals, students, and municipal authorities. His efforts have substantially improved the greenery along the roadsides," PM Modi concluded.