Cleanliness and Nature Protection Drive at Mankameshwar Ghat, Lucknow

– Saniya Mahato (The Graduate School, College for Women)

Cleanliness and environmental protection are shared responsibilities of every citizen. With this belief, Shanti Devi Welfare Foundation organized a cleanliness and nature protection drive at Mankameshwar Ghat in Lucknow. The main objective of this initiative was to clean the ghat area, protect the river, and promote a plastic-free environment.

The drive included a cleanliness campaign along with a ploughing activity to remove plastic waste and other litter from the surroundings. More than 100 volunteers actively participated in the mission with great enthusiasm and discipline. Working together as a team, the volunteers cleaned the ghat area and nearby public spaces, setting an example of collective responsibility and social awareness.

During the drive, the volunteers collected around 10–12 sacks of plastic waste, weighing nearly 150 kilograms. By removing this waste, the team helped prevent plastic from entering the river and contributed to protecting the natural ecosystem. The initiative highlighted the importance of keeping religious and public places clean, as such areas are visited by a large number of people every day.

This cleanliness drive supports national programs such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Namami Gange Programme, and Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), which aim to promote cleanliness, environmental conservation, and sustainable living. While these initiatives provide national direction, ground-level efforts like this drive play an important role in turning these goals into reality. Shanti Devi Welfare Foundation actively contributes to these missions through consistent and practical actions.

The drive also focused on spreading awareness about the harmful effects of plastic pollution on the environment and water bodies. It encouraged citizens, especially the youth, to adopt cleaner habits and take responsibility for their surroundings. Through such initiatives, the foundation continues to promote environmental awareness, sustainable practices, and long-term care for nature.