SJVN has been conferred with First Prize in the prestigious Swachhta Pakhwada Awards 2024 by Ministry of Power, Govt. of India for its outstanding performance during the nationwide program “Swachhta Pakhwada 2024”. Sh. Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary Power presented the first prize to Sh. Sushil Kumar Sharma, CMD (designate) SJVN today in a ceremony at New Delhi. On this occasion, Sh. Vikas Marwah, HOP (RHPS) and Sh. Dhiraj Gupta, DGM (CSR) were also present.

The Swachhta Pakhwada Awards recognize outstanding efforts by Power PSUs in promoting the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission during the annual observance of Swachhta Pakhwada, held from 16th to 31st May, 2024. Awardees were evaluated on multiple parameters, including their initiatives to raise awareness and foster sustainable practices. Following a rigorous evaluation and inspection by the Ministry of Power, SJVN emerged as the winner, with PFC and NTPC securing the second and third prizes, respectively.

Since the inception of these awards, SJVN has achieved remarkable success, winning four First Prizes, including three consecutive wins and one Second Prize.

Expressing pride in this accomplishment, Sh. Sushil Kumar Sharma stated, “This recognition is a testament to SJVN's commitment to the principles of Swachhta and sustainability. Our comprehensive action plans and impactful initiatives across project locations and offices have created a lasting impact on society.”

During the Swachhta Pakhwada, various cleanliness activities were undertaken involving a large number of local people. The key novel initiatives include cleanliness drives at public places like children and public parks, toilets, market complexes, railway stations, rivers, bathing ghats, natural water bodies, bus stands, temples, community places, etc. As per the Swachhta Guidelines, SJVN has cleaned up 19 blackspots (Cleanliness Target Units), out of which SJVN has adopted 14 such dark spots for cleanliness drives for the whole year as a measure of sustainability. In addition, SJVN has sanctioned 10 CCTV cameras to the Municipal Corporation, Shimla, for constant surveillance and monitoring to ensure cleanliness at 10 black spots identified by them in Shimla. Further, SJVN, in collaboration with MC, Shimla, has adopted two public parks at The Mall Road, Shimla, where tourist footfall is very large. SJVN is also maintaining a biodiversity park in Shanan, Shimla, which is open to the local public.

Besides the above, SJVN initiated and continued numerous sustainable cleanliness practices, which include a bio-composting plant, solar energy plant, recycling projects for domestic waste, paper waste, and e-waste. During the anti-plastic campaigns, reusable bags were distributed, while health programs through MMUs provided free medical care and hygiene awareness to the local people. During the Pakhwada, various competitions like best from waste, painting, debate, etc., were organized in local schools and best performers were rewarded. These Swachhta initiatives by SJVN not only align with the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission but also contribute to environmental conservation and the promotion of sustainable living in local communities.

SJVN's continued success in the Swachhta Pakhwada Awards underscores its dedication to creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for the nation.