Ravet resident cleans streets for eleven years consistently; aims at making roads clean and green

Akash Dhanurkar

‘Swachh Bharat’ mission is witnessing a growing participation from the citizens in the past few years. A Ravet based citizen has set a benchmark of leading from the front in keeping the environment clean. Bhaskar Achyut Gokhale, a 42 year old social worker aims to help the city win the title of ‘Swachh City’ with his outstanding cleanliness drive for the last ten years. 
Bhaskar hasn’t a missed a day without thinking of stepping out of the house and getting on roads to pickup plastic bags and bottles. 

While talking to Pune Pulse, he says, “It is very easy to say that we should keep our environment clean when our lives revolve more on the usage of plastic bags. So, in my area, I insisted people not to use plastic bags, instead carry a cloth bag that will put a stop on the usage of plastic bags. For the last ten years, I have been working alone; wanting to send a message in the society that it is our individual responsibility to keep the area clean.”

He has been consistently stepping out to lead from the front; equally making change that has inspired people to join him in his initiative. Backing the swachh bharat campaign, Bhaskar says, “It is a bery good campaign, but people should be consistent enough to pickup waste in their surrounding to set an example. But I am glad that the movement is spreading and flapping its wings in the minds of people.”

Insisting more people to join him in his selfless act, he has asked people to contribute in a number of ways. People can also join him in ‘Walking street drive’, which cleans the area while taking a walk around. 

Apart from his cleanliness campaign, he insists shopkeepers and people to plant trees; most importantly, water them without forgetting.