Maharashtra CM Shinde Takes a Stand: ‘We Cleaned Mumbai, Not Its Coffers’

During a cleanup campaign at Juhu Beach on International Coastal Cleanliness Day, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took aim at the opposition, recalling past criticisms of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. “When the Prime Minister launched this initiative, the opposition raised numerous allegations. Now, however, we can see the positive outcomes,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for such campaigns to address global warming and climate change.

Shinde asserted that while his government has focused on cleaning Mumbai, others have merely enriched their coffers. “The people are watching our efforts in the Vidhan Sabha, and they will respond during the upcoming elections,” he added.

Highlighting the significance of maintaining Maharashtra’s 720 km coastline, he stated, “It is our responsibility to keep it clean.” The beach cleanup was led by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, and included participation from Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan, CM Shinde, and Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani of the Greater Mumbai Municipal Corporation.

International Coastal Cleanliness Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of September, and this year’s initiative, in partnership with the Ministry of Earth Sciences, spans over 100 beaches across India’s coastal regions.

Shinde also noted that Maharashtra has banned single-use plastics and highlighted the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste. He announced a tree-planting campaign called “Ek Ped Maa,” indicating that the Mumbai Corporation has already planted 1.5 lakh trees, contributing 40,000 trees to the initiative. “Tree plantation is essential, and we are undertaking large-scale efforts across all corporations,” he stated.

Emphasizing the importance of cleanliness, he urged collective participation in pollution-free initiatives. “Cleanliness is paramount,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to participants and dignitaries, saying, “Today, I extend my best wishes to everyone. This campaign initiated near Girgaon Chowpatty benefits over 700 km of Maharashtra’s coastline.”

Reflecting on the deep clean drive in Mumbai, which will resume after the rains, Shinde acknowledged the legacy of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and concluded with a call for unified action to maintain clean beaches and public spaces. “Together, we will make these efforts. Jai Hind, Jai Maharaj,” he declared.