Swatchh Bharat can address public health issues: Prabhu

The government's ambitious 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' has potential to address several public health related issues and promote tourism in the country, Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu said today.

Prabhu also stressed on improving soil fertility, saying soil security is one of the most critical components of food security.

"I think several issues will get addressed by Swachh Bharat Abhiyan...Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has potential to bring big change in India.

"Through Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, we can address public health related issues .... tourism which is the fastest growing sector will also be benefited by Swachh Bharat Abhiyan," the minister said at an event organised by industry body Ficci.

Noting that the Indian culture always believed in keeping environment clean, Prabhu said that "but unfortunately somewhere down the line we deviated."