Kolkata: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), a Navratna defence public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, organised a community cleanliness drive at Bichali Ghat in Metiabruz, Kolkata, under the ‘Ek Din, Ek Saath’ initiative as part of Swachhata Special Campaign 6.0.
The initiative brought together GRSE’s senior management, employees and community stakeholders to promote cleanliness, environmental awareness and responsible waste management. The drive also highlighted the importance of community participation in maintaining clean surroundings and adopting sustainable practices.
GRSE Senior Management Participates in Cleanliness Drive
The cleanliness drive was conducted in the presence of senior GRSE officials, including:
- Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd) – Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE.
- Capt (IN) P Sunilkumar (Retd) – Director (Corporate Planning & Personnel).
- Niranjan Bhalerao – Director (Finance).
Other senior officials and employees also participated in the initiative, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to cleanliness, environmental responsibility and sustainable workplace practices.
By organising the drive at Bichali Ghat, GRSE extended its cleanliness efforts beyond its premises and encouraged community stakeholders to contribute to maintaining a cleaner environment.
GRSE Promotes Waste to Wealth Through Creative Reuse
A key highlight of the observance was the ‘Waste to Wealth’ initiative, which encouraged employees to convert discarded materials into artistic sculptures, crafts and other creative products.
The activity demonstrated how waste materials can be reused and recycled to create useful or decorative items instead of being discarded. It also raised awareness about reducing waste, conserving resources and adopting environmentally responsible practices.
The initiative underscored the potential of creative reuse to support sustainable waste management and encourage employees to consider the value of materials that might otherwise be treated as waste.
Cleanliness and Workplace Improvement Activities Across GRSE Establishments
Alongside the community cleanliness drive, GRSE conducted cleanliness and workplace improvement activities across its establishments.
The activities focused on improving the overall condition of office and workplace facilities through:
- Decluttering office premises: Removing unnecessary items to maintain cleaner and more organised workspaces.
- Optimising underutilised spaces: Improving the use of areas that were not being used effectively.
- Systematic disposal of redundant materials: Ensuring that unwanted items were managed and disposed of in an organised manner.
- Awareness campaigns: Displaying campaign banners across manufacturing units and office facilities to promote cleanliness and sustainable workplace practices.
These measures were aimed at improving workplace organisation, making better use of available space and encouraging employees to maintain cleanliness as part of their daily routines.
GRSE Focuses on Biodegradable Waste and E-Waste Management
GRSE also emphasised the segregation, disposal and recycling of biodegradable waste and electronic waste (e-waste) as part of its broader waste management efforts.
Proper waste segregation helps identify materials that can be recycled or processed separately, supporting resource recovery and reducing the amount of waste requiring final disposal.
The focus on biodegradable waste and e-waste highlighted the importance of adopting systematic waste management practices across industrial establishments and office facilities.
Through these activities, GRSE sought to strengthen awareness of responsible waste handling and encourage more efficient utilisation of resources.
Health Awareness and Recognition of Safai Mitras
Health-awareness activities were also organised during the observance, with an emphasis on workplace well-being and the importance of maintaining clean and healthy surroundings.
GRSE also recognised Safai Mitras, acknowledging the contribution of sanitation workers to cleanliness and hygiene. Their work plays an important role in maintaining organised workplaces and healthier public and community spaces.
The recognition highlighted the importance of sanitation workers in cleanliness initiatives and reinforced the need to appreciate their contribution to maintaining the surrounding environment.
Swachhata Special Campaign 6.0 Runs Until October 31
Swachhata Special Campaign 6.0 is being observed from October 2 to October 31, 2026. The campaign focuses on improving cleanliness, optimising workplace spaces and promoting efficient resource utilisation across government offices and public sector organisations.
As part of the campaign, GRSE combined community participation with internal cleanliness and waste management activities. The ‘Ek Din, Ek Saath’ initiative further encouraged employees and community stakeholders to work together towards a cleaner environment.
Through its activities at Bichali Ghat and across its establishments, GRSE aims to extend cleanliness efforts beyond its facilities while promoting environmental awareness, responsible waste management and community involvement.
About GRSE
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) is a Navratna public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Headquartered in Kolkata, the company is engaged in shipbuilding and engineering activities, including the construction of vessels for the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. GRSE also undertakes initiatives related to environmental sustainability, workplace improvement and community welfare.
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