Deep cleaning drive a citizens' programme, opposition should join it: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde

File Photo

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday called the ongoing 'deep cleaning' drive a citizens' programme and urged the opposition to join it and contribute to its success.

"This is not my programme or the government's programme. It is a citizens' programme that should be a public movement," he said, adding that thousands of people actively participated in a deep cleaning event at Marine Drive earlier in the day.

Addressing the media in Navi Mumbai, he said cleaning of rivers in the state will be taken up in a phased manner, building on the success of the current campaign.

Responding to critics, the chief minister invited his opponents to join the initiative and contribute to its success. "For me, CM does not mean chief minister; it is common man," Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said.

Shinde said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch many projects, including the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, in the state on January 12.

Also read: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde dubs Uddhav Thackeray as 'anti-development'

Asked about the opposition demands for an audit of his government's 'Shasan Aplya Dari' (government at your doorstep) programme, Shinde said it has already benefited over 2.2 crore citizens in Maharashtra. Citizens will conduct ¿their (opposition)¿ audit in the upcoming elections and give a fitting response, he said.

Regarding the utilisation of Indrayani River water, the CM dismissed opposition demands, clarifying that it is not intended for regular usage, and urged his opponents to be aware of the facts.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde inspected the Coastal Road Project at Priyadarshini Park and said that the project will be completed by January 31, reported news agency ANI.

After the inspection, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, "The first phase is to be completed by January 31. 11 km of the tunnel will be constructed in the first phase," reported ANI.

This will benefit commuters, especially during peak hours in the morning and the evening when there's heavy traffic.

This tunnel is being made using advanced techniques. In case a fire breaks out or there is smoke, the commuters won't feel suffocated. Arrangements to throw out smoke have been made, reported ANI.

"This is the largest tunnel in the country," Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde added further. (With inputs from PTI)