Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan launches 'Majhi Mumbai-Nirmal Mumbai' cleanliness drive with Sachin Tendulkar as brand ambassador

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on Friday launched a cleanliness drive called "Majhi Mumbai-Nirmal Mumbai" which aims to create awareness among people.

"There is a huge garbage problem in Mumbai and as the population increases, problem only inflates. Compared to other cities of Maharashtra, it is difficult to get rid of the menace here, but we are trying our best to get rid of this problem," Chavan said.

He was addressing a gathering at Dharavi in suburban Mumbai on the sidelines of launching the cleanliness drive, while appealing to the public to maintain cleanliness.

To make this drive a success, government has roped in iconic cricketer Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador.

"Since he is loved by everyone, people will listen to what he tells them about cleanliness," Chavan said.

He added that students have been roped in to assist the government in making this drive a success and instill civic sense among people.

"We have decided to rope in about 10,000 students from across the city to help us in alleviate this menace. Cleanliness of the surroundings was a dream of Mahatma Gandhi and we are committed towards fulfilling his dream," he added. Chavan said that the government is working towards a "slumfree Maharashtra" where every slum dweller would be given a "pucca" (concrete) house to live in.

"There are around 2,000 jhopdis (slums) in Dharavi. Our government is working towards providing every slum dweller in Dharavi a concrete house to live in. We will construct residential apartments here and are working with the motto of a slumfree Maharashtra," Chavan added.