By Ngo Greenworms

Copyright thehindu

As part of the nationwide observance of ‘Ek Ghanta, Ek Din, Ek Saath’, a special cleanliness drive during ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 – Swatchhotsav’, the Thiruvananthapuram Division of the Southern Railway, conducted a series of programmes on Thursday. The main event was organised at Ernakulam Junction Railway Station, where Manu Goel, additional member, Railway Board, inaugurated the session.

The event featured several awareness and outreach activities. These included the distribution of 50 saplings to students and passengers, and prize distribution to the winners of various competitions. Students from PM Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kadavanthra, delivered inspirational speeches, while students of Cochin University of Science & Technology (CUSAT) Ernakulam presented cultural performances, highlighting the importance of community participation in cleanliness drives.

To further spread the message of sustainability, a waste to art exhibition was inaugurated. A ‘Swachhata Rally’ was flagged off and a Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR) stall set up by NGO Greenworms was inaugurated by Mr. Goel. The programme concluded with the distribution of awareness posters and pamphlets to passengers. Active participation was witnessed from railway staff, railway protection force (RPF) personnel, officers and staff of Southern Railway, ‘Rail Sahayaks’, and ‘Safai Mitras’.

In addition to the Ernakulam programme, cleanliness activities were conducted at Kanniyakumari, Nagercoil Junction, Thiruvananthapuram Central, Kochuveli, Varkala Sivagiri, Kayamkulam Junction, Alappuzha, Chengannur, Thiruvalla, Changanassery, Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town, Aluva, Thrissur and Guruvayur. At Thiruvananthapuram Pettah Railway Station, the garden area was cleaned and rejuvenated by medical officers and staff of the Divisional Railway Hospital, Pettah.

At Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, the NSS Unit of University College, Thiruvananthapuram, joined station officials, RPF personnel, and Safai Mitras in taking the ‘Swachhata’ pledge, conducting an awareness rally, and participating in shramdaan activities. A human chain of awareness and cleanliness awareness drive for passengers on board trains and platforms was also arranged.