GPCB Expands Role, Launches Industrial Cleanliness Drive

VAPI : The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), traditionally associated with monitoring pollution and enforcing environmental norms, is expanding its role in Vapi by taking up cleanliness as a regular responsibility. Under the ‘Seva Mera Yogdan-2026’ campaign, more than 160 industrial units have joined a coordinated drive to keep factory premises and surrounding areas clean while reducing plastic use.

The initiative, launched by the GPCB’s Vapi regional office in collaboration with industrial units, will cover cleanliness within company premises as well as a 100-metre radius around them.

More than 160 units have been divided into five industrial clusters to streamline the operations. The participating industries will undertake regular cleaning drives, with collected waste segregated, stored and disposed of through environmentally appropriate methods.

Officials said the programme will not remain limited to one-time cleanliness activities. Daily reports will be prepared and the exercise will be continuously monitored to ensure that industrial areas remain clean.

“Environmental protection and cleanliness are closely linked. Through this campaign, industries are being encouraged to take responsibility not only for their premises but also for the immediate surroundings,” officials said.

The campaign also places emphasis on reducing plastic consumption. Industrial units will be encouraged to avoid banned single-use plastic and promote cloth bags as an alternative.

The GPCB is also taking the message beyond industrial premises by involving students. Schools and colleges will administer pledges promoting a plastic-free environment, aiming to create greater awareness among young people about responsible waste management.

Posters and banners highlighting cleanliness and environmental protection have been installed at the main gates of nearly all major companies in the Vapi GIDC area.

The initiative is expected to create a coordinated mechanism involving regulators, industries and the public, with regular monitoring aimed at ensuring that cleanliness becomes a sustained practice rather than a short-term campaign.