PM Modi gives clarion call to eradicate single-use plastic by 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon people to eradicate single-use plastic from the country by 2022. Mr Modi said, plastic is a major threat to environment and we have to achieve the goal to eradicate single-use plastic from the country. Prime Minister was speaking at a 'Swachh Bharat Diwas' programme in Ahmedabad on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi yesterday evening.

Mr Modi declared that India is now open defecation-free (ODF). Prime Minister made the declaration by pressing the button of a remote, unveiling the map of India as open defection-free. He said, the world is amazed by the fact that India provided toilets to over 60 crore people in 60 months by building over 11 crore toilets. Prime Minister said, rural India has declared itself open defection-free.

This is a great achievement of the Swachh Bharat movement which has people's participation. Mr Modi said, this achievement is just a milestone and we should not stop here. The movement has to continue. The event was attended by around 20,000 village heads, including 10,000 from Gujarat.

Mr Modi said, the



Centre plans to spend 3 lakh crore rupees on the ambitious "Jal Jivan Mission" aimed at water conservation. He appealed people to join hands to recharge water sources and recycle water at the local level.

Prime Minister said, the country's stature is on the rise on the world stage which was seen during the 'HowdyModi' event in Houston. Prime Minister said, the world can see that India is at the forefront of several positive changes taking place globally. Mr Modi said, the strength and the value of Indian passport has increased and the world sees those holding Indian passport with respect. He said, the world is looking at India with great eagerness. PM said, the world is curious about India, a huge country with a vibrant democracy.

Earlier, Modi paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the Sabarmati Ashram on his 150th birth anniversary. Prime Minister also released commemorative 150 rupees coins to mark the occasion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed 'aarti' of Goddess Amba and also witnessed people playing 'garba' at the GMDC Ground in Ahmedabad on the occasion of Navratri.