"Maharashtra CM during Juhu cleanup campaign: 'We cleaned Mumbai, while others emptied its coffers.'"

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 21: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde criticised the opposition for their past allegations regarding the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan during the Juhu Beach cleanup event on Saturday.

Speaking on International Coastal Cleanliness Day, he said, "When the PM started the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan', the opposition made numerous accusations. But now we can see the results of the campaign... We need such initiatives to tackle issues like global warming and climate change. We started the deep clean drive and cleaned Mumbai, while others emptied its coffers. People are observing the work in the Vidhan Sabha... They will respond to the opposition in the upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections."

During his speech, Shinde stressed the importance of maintaining Maharashtra's 720 km coastline, stating, "It is our duty to keep it clean."

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, led the beach cleanup, alongside Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Greater Mumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani.

International Coastal Cleanliness Day is observed every year on the third Saturday of September. This year's campaign was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Maharashtra State Government, covering more than 100 beaches across India’s coastal states and union territories.

Shinde also highlighted Maharashtra's ban on single-use plastic and discussed the environmental dangers posed by plastic waste. He announced the success of the major tree-planting initiative launched by PM Modi, called "Ek Ped Maa ka Naam," noting that 1.5 lakh trees have been planted, with 40,000 contributed by the Mumbai Corporation. “Tree plantation is being carried out on a large scale across all corporations, which is essential for society,” he added.

Emphasising the need for tree planting and pollution-free initiatives, Shinde encouraged everyone to participate. “Cleanliness is everything,” he remarked.

The Chief Minister extended his congratulations to participants and thanked dignitaries for their involvement, saying, “I extend my best wishes to all... This campaign started near Girgaon Chowpatty, and now over 700 km of Maharashtra's coastline is benefitting from the cleanliness drive.”

Shinde also spoke about the deep clean drive in Mumbai, announcing its resumption after the rains. Reflecting on the launch of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, he stated, “Whenever we think of cleanliness and the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Prime Minister Modi's name comes to mind.”

He concluded his speech by calling for collective action to maintain clean beaches and public spaces, saying, “We will all work together towards this. Jai Hind, Jai Maharaj.”