Basti (Uttar Pradesh), May 31 (IANS) Akash Gupta, who leads a group of youths in cleaning the Manorama river in Uttar Pradesh’s Basti district, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for mentioning about their efforts in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme. Gupta also said that cleanliness efforts are possible only when the entire nation comes together.

Speaking to IANS, Gupta mentioned that his entire village is grateful to PM Modi for the recognition in his monthly radio address.

Referring to the Central government’s cleanliness programmes like ‘Namami Gange Programme’ and ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan’, he said: “Work related to cleanliness cannot be carried out until the entire country comes together.”

Describing their work, Gupta added: “We are a team of seven members and have cleaned 300 metres of the river in 65 days.”

Moreover, he said that the efforts to clean the Manorama river cannot be turned into a campaign unless more people join them.

“Depending on the number of people joining us, we will be able to clean the river more quickly,” he added.

“Citizens should make efforts to themselves clean the resources that we have received from Mother nature, rather than wait for the government to do so,” he asserted.

Apart from cleaning the river, Akash Gupta said that his team also aims to plant sapling around the riverbed during the upcoming monsoon season, in order to contribute towards environmental conservation.

“Apart from this, we will also work towards rainwater harvesting,” he added.

He expressed optimism that if provided opportunities, the youth can undertake efforts towards the development of the country.

Addressing the 134th episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister shared an inspiring story from Uttar Pradesh, where a group of young people is committed to preserving their childhood memories.

“Akash Gupta of Basti was deeply saddened by the sight of his village’s Manorama River. The river he had seen as clean and vibrant in his childhood… Over time, plastic had started accumulating in the river, and the filth was increasing. Akash decided not to complain, but to make a new beginning. ‘No complaints, a fresh start’ became his mantra. He took his friends along,” PM Modi said.

–IANS

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