Ensure cleanliness at tourist spots: Modi

There is a need to pay attention to the cleanliness at the tourist spots across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday.

"We must ensure cleanliness at tourist places," Modi said in his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio address, citing a letter by Ganesh V. Sawaleshwarakr from Pune.

He said Ganesh raised a vital point on the importance of cleanliness at the tourist places and pilgrimage sites.

Modi welcomed the suggestion of Ganesh, saying clean tourist spots will work in building a better image of India in the world. He said many foreigners come to visit the country during festival season.

Quoting 'Atithi Devo Bhava' idiom (guest is like God), the prime minister said cleanliness at tourist spots must be like decorating own house before the arrival of the guest.

Modi, however, expressed happiness and thanked media for highlighting positive stories about cleanliness.