By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Shimla, 20 Nov: SJVN has been conferred First Prize in the prestigious Swachhta Pakhwada Awards 2024 by the Union Ministry of Power for its ‘outstanding performance’ during the nationwide “Swachhta Pakhwada 2024”.
Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Power, presented the first prize to Sushil Kumar Sharma, CMD (designate), SJVN, today in a ceremony at New Delhi. On this occasion, Vikas Marwah, HOP(RHPS) and Dhiraj Gupta, DGM(CSR) were also present.
The Swachhta Pakhwada Awards recognises outstanding efforts by Power PSUs in promoting the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission during the annual observance of Swachhta Pakhwada, held from 16 to 31 May, 2024. Awardees were evaluated on multiple parameters, including their initiatives to raise awareness and foster sustainable practices. Following a rigorous evaluation and inspection by the Ministry of Power, SJVN emerged as the winner, with PFC and NTPC securing the second and third prizes, respectively.
Since the inception of these awards, SJVN has achieved remarkable success, winning four First Prizes, including three consecutive wins and one Second Prize.
Expressing pride in this accomplishment, Sushil Kumar Sharma stated, ‘This recognition is a testament to SJVN’s commitment to the principles of Swachhta and sustainability. Our comprehensive action plans and impactful initiatives across project locations and offices have created a lasting impact on society.’
During the Swachhta Pakhwada various cleanliness activities were undertaken involving a large number of local people. The key novel initiatives include cleanliness drives at public places like children and public parks, toilets, market complex, railway stations, rivers, bathing ghats, natural water bodies, bus stands, temples, community places, etc. As per the Swachhta Guidelines SJVN has cleaned up 19 blackspots (Cleanliness Target Units) out of which SJVN has adopted 14 such dark spots for cleanliness drives for the whole year as a measure of Sustainability. In addition, SJVN has sanctioned 10 CCTV cameras to Municipal Corporation, Shimla for constant surveillance and monitoring to ensure cleanliness at 10 black spots identified by them in Shimla. Further, SJVN in collaboration with MC, Shimla has adopted 2 public parks at The Mall Road, Shimla where tourist footfall is very large. SJVN is also maintaining bio-diversity park in Shanan, Shimla which opened for local public. Besides the above, SJVN initiated and continued numerous sustainable cleanliness practices which include bio-composting plant, solar energy plant, recycling projects for domestic waste, paper waste and e waste. During the anti-plastic campaigns reusable bags were distributed, while health programmes through MMUs provided free medical care and hygiene awareness to the local people. During the Pakhwada, various competitions like best from waste, painting, debate, etc., were organised in local schools and best performers were rewarded.
