Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) Achieves Major Milestones During Special Campaign 4.0

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has successfully concluded its participation in the Special Campaign 4.0, a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting cleanliness, efficient record management, and public awareness. With 12 Constituent Units, 11 Aided Institutions, and 5 Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) spread across India, the Department’s active involvement in the campaign has resulted in a series of impactful activities, both within and outside its premises.

A key achievement of DAE during this campaign was the review of 51,255 files, with 50,599 identified for weeding, contributing to a significant reduction in administrative clutter. The DAE units, PSUs, and Aided Institutions also carried out 146 cleanliness campaigns, generating a revenue of over ₹53 lakh (₹5,324,573) through scrap disposal. In total, approximately 19,579 square feet of space was cleared up due to the efficient disposal of scrap materials.

Key Campaign Activities and Initiatives

The Special Campaign 4.0 saw a wide range of activities across DAE’s diverse units, including:

• Health Awareness Programs: Tata Memorial Centre in Guwahati organized a health awareness initiative focused on promoting well-being.
• Nukkad Natak: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) in Mumbai conducted a street play (Nukkad Natak) at Anushaktinagar to engage the community in environmental consciousness and cleanliness.
• Tree Plantation: A tree plantation drive was carried out at the Safety Research Institute of AERB in Kalpakkam, aimed at enhancing the local ecosystem.
• Public Campaigns: Several other constituent units and PSUs under DAE organized awareness talks, workshops, and cleanliness drives across India.

Best Practices and Innovations

Among the innovative initiatives, the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR) in Gujarat stood out. The institute uses biological waste from its landscaping area (covering 25,000 sq. m) to create organic compost. This compost has been instrumental in enriching soil, enhancing plant growth, and reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. IPR has also undertaken a major initiative to clear weeds from the jungle area between the IPR building and the student hostel, improving transit and reducing mosquito breeding.

Additionally, IPR has developed and commercialized its patented Plasma Activated Water (PAW) technology, which enhances plant growth and has been shown to extend the shelf life of fruits like lemon. PAW has also proven useful in sterilizing dairy containers, showcasing IPR’s contribution to both environmental sustainability and food safety.

Environmental and Social Impact: The ‘उद्गम से अंत तक’ Initiative

In line with the national Namami Gange mission, the Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC) in Kolkata launched the ‘उद्गम से अंत तक’ initiative, a comprehensive campaign to reduce pollution in the Ganges and conserve its ecosystem. The campaign focused on cleaning and preserving the riverbanks from Gaumukh to Haridwar. During the period from October 15 to October 25, 2024, a team from VECC participated in a cleanliness drive at Rishikesh’s Triveni Ghat, collecting over 60-70 kilograms of waste material in collaboration with local residents, pilgrims, and safai mitras.

Furthermore, VECC organized a four-day high-altitude cleanup campaign along the 40 km trekking route from Gangotri to Gaumukh, collecting large amounts of non-biodegradable plastic waste for proper disposal. The initiative, which included trekkers, guides, porters, and local volunteers, garnered significant support and raised awareness about sustainable waste management in high-altitude regions.

Public Outreach and Media Engagement

To further extend the campaign’s impact, DAE actively engaged with the public through social media. The Department’s social media team shared 11 posts on platforms such as ‘X’ using the hashtag #SpecialCampaign4.0 to highlight key activities and achievements. In addition, two press releases were issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) to increase visibility and inform the public about the Department’s efforts during the campaign.

Looking Ahead

The Department of Atomic Energy has worked diligently to achieve the objectives set forth under Special Campaign 4.0. With its comprehensive approach to cleanliness, waste management, and public awareness, DAE has set a strong example of commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. The Department is poised to continue its efforts with the same zeal in the coming year, striving to contribute even more to national initiatives and promote a cleaner, greener India.