Gandhinagar: Gandhinagar marked its 62nd Foundation Day with a series of environmental conservation, water management and public welfare initiatives at Koba Lake. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel attended three key programmes organised by the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation as part of the celebrations.
The special Foundation Day event was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s environment-focused campaigns, including ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and ‘Catch the Rain’.
The celebrations focused on promoting tree plantation, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and the delivery of government welfare benefits to citizens.
CM Bhupendra Patel Plants Sapling Under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’
As part of the Foundation Day celebrations, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel planted a sapling at the Koba Lake premises under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
The initiative aims to encourage people to plant trees and contribute to environmental conservation. The Chief Minister’s participation highlighted the importance of increasing green cover and protecting the environment.
CM Inspects Recharge Well Under ‘Catch the Rain’ Campaign
The Chief Minister also visited and inspected a recharge well developed under the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign.
The initiative focuses on rainwater conservation and groundwater recharge. Such projects are aimed at improving water sustainability and encouraging efficient management of rainwater resources.
The programme highlighted the importance of combining environmental conservation with long-term water security.
Best Sanitation Workers Honoured
During the ceremony, three sanitation workers were honoured with the title of ‘Best Sanitation Workers’ for their commendable contribution to maintaining cleanliness in Gandhinagar. Each awardee received a cash prize of ₹10,000, with a total of ₹30,000 distributed as awards.
The recognition was aimed at appreciating the contribution of sanitation workers towards keeping the state capital clean.
PM SVANidhi Loans Distributed to Street Vendors
As part of the Foundation Day programme, beneficiaries under the PM SVANidhi Scheme were also supported.
Symbolic loan sanction letters were presented to four beneficiaries, while a total of eight street vendors and small traders received loan assistance worth ₹2.55 lakh.The financial support is expected to help beneficiaries strengthen their businesses, promote self-employment and improve their financial independence.
Nutrition Kits Distributed Under ICDS Scheme
The Chief Minister distributed nutrition kits to three beneficiaries under the ICDS Supplementary Nutrition Scheme.
The beneficiaries included:
- Adolescent girls
- Children
- Pregnant women
The initiative aims to address malnutrition and improve nutritional outcomes among vulnerable groups.
As part of the Foundation Day celebrations, the Municipal Corporation also planned to distribute nutrition kits to 1,500 mothers across Gandhinagar.
Ayushman Bharat Cards Provided to Beneficiaries
Two beneficiaries were also presented with Ayushman Bharat Cards during the programme.
The cards are intended to help eligible beneficiaries access cashless healthcare services under the government’s health coverage initiative.The distribution formed part of the broader effort to connect citizens with various public welfare schemes.
Nutrition Support Extended to TB Patients
To strengthen the TB-Free India Campaign, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel provided nutrition kits to two tuberculosis patients.
The kits contained essential proteins and nutrients to support the nutritional needs of the beneficiaries during their treatment and recovery.The initiative highlights the importance of nutritional support alongside healthcare services in the fight against tuberculosis.
Examination Preparation Kits Distributed to Students
Examination preparation book kits were also distributed to students through various schools in Gandhinagar. The initiative aims to support students in their academic preparation and help them perform better in government competitive examinations. The distribution of educational resources added an important youth and education-focused component to the Foundation Day celebrations.
Gandhinagar Foundation Day Celebrations Focus on Sustainable Development
The 62nd Foundation Day celebrations went beyond a traditional ceremonial programme and brought together several key areas of public development.
The initiatives focused on:
- Environmental conservation through tree plantation
- Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge
- Cleanliness and sanitation
- Financial assistance for street vendors and small traders
- Nutrition support for vulnerable groups
- Healthcare access
- TB prevention and nutritional support
- Educational assistance for students
The celebrations at Koba Lake showcased the convergence of environmental sustainability, water conservation and social welfare, reflecting a broader approach towards the sustainable development of Gandhinagar and the well-being of its citizens.
Read also: Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Enhances Powers of Collectors, DDOs for Faster Government Land Allotment
