New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday emphasized the importance of environmental cleanliness and recycling, highlighting extraordinary efforts from across India that echo the country’s growing commitment to a cleaner, greener future.
Speaking during the 122nd episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister praised the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) for combining courage with cleanliness during their recent expedition to Mount Makalu – the world’s fifth-highest peak.
“Just imagine – in the treacherous conditions of snowy mountains, where every step is a risk and even breathing is difficult, a team of brave jawans not only scaled the peak but also carried out a massive cleanliness drive,” the Prime Minister said.
The ITBP team brought back over 150 kg of non-biodegradable waste, setting an inspiring example of environmental responsibility even in extreme conditions. “They didn’t just climb Mount Makalu; they climbed with a mission. Where there is determination, the path creates itself,” Modi added.
Home Minister Congratulates ITBP
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also lauded the ITBP’s dual achievement. “Congratulations to ITBP jawans on their spectacular success in scaling Mt Makalu. Braving extreme weather conditions, they hoisted the tricolour and removed 150 kg of garbage inspired by PM Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. I applaud their courage and commitment,” Shah said.
Recycling Begins at Home
Turning his attention to everyday waste management, PM Modi underscored the need for conscious action in homes and offices, especially regarding paper waste. “You’ll be surprised to know that around a fourth of the country’s landfill waste is paper. We often consider it normal, but it has a massive environmental cost,” he said.
He praised Indian startups working on paper recycling in cities like Visakhapatnam, Gurugram, and Jalna, where entrepreneurs are developing innovative solutions such as recycled packaging boards, digital paper reuse methods, and eco-friendly paper cores.
“Recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees and thousands of litres of water,” the PM noted, calling it a compelling reason for every citizen to embrace recycling.
A Call to Action
“Inspired by our jawans who collected waste from the Himalayas, we too should take responsibility for our waste,” Modi said. “Let us all think about what small steps we can take for our country. When every citizen starts thinking this way, a big change is inevitable.”
The Prime Minister’s message continues his focus on grassroots action for national development and environmental sustainability – a key theme of Mann Ki Baat over the years.
