A mega public movement and "wholehearted participation" of the people helped Indore bag the 'cleanest city' tag, says Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.
Elated over Indore's selection as the most clean city of the country, Mahajan, who represents the Indore Lok Sabha seat, says it proves that the city is not only famous for its food but also for its people's desire for a clean surrounding.
"I am very happy. I will give credit to the people of Indore who always come forward for any good initiative. It is because of their whole-hearted participation, we have reached this far," says the eight-time MP.
This ranking in the 'Swachh Survekshan-2017', she says, will also break the notion that Indore is only famous for its awesome cuisine, especially 'Poha Jalebi'.
"Indore khawaiyon (foodies) ka hi nahi balki saaf rawwaiyye walo ka shahr hai (it is a city not only of foodies but also of people with a desire for cleanliness)," she told PTI.
Talking about Indore's journey in achieving the tag among 434 entries, she says it started as a public movement.
"We started it long back with local municipal corporation and then initiated a public movement through Mahanagar Vikas Kendra Parishad. Many innovative steps were taken, like it was decided that we will clean all the temples before Diwali and then enter them," she adds.
"People of Indore love their city and they are culturally very rooted. I have visited many cities and always thought that my Indore is cleaner than those. Now everyone has acknowledged this and I can't describe my happiness in words," she says.
Giving credit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his 'Swacch Bharat' vision, she says it is due to his leading by example that people are more aware about cleanliness now.
She also narrated an incident when during the release of her book, Modi collected and put the wrapping paper in his pocket after unveiling her book.
"This video became viral on social media and inspired others," she adds.
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