In the spirit of fostering a cleaner and healthier India, the SWACHHATA HI SEVA (SHS) campaign is being celebrated from September 15th to October 2nd this year. This campaign is a collaborative effort between the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Its primary goal is to encourage community participation in shramdaan activities, instigate a Jan Andolan, and emphasize the importance of a sampoorna swachh (completely clean) village. The campaign also aims to reinforce the notion that sanitation is everyone’s responsibility and serves as a prelude to Swachh Bharat Diwas on October 2nd, with participation from all corners of the nation.
Upholding the Right to Cleanliness
Cleanliness is not just a preference; it is a fundamental right. Whether it’s our homes, public spaces, or workplaces, cleanliness is essential for maintaining a civilized society. The SWACHHATA HI SEVA mission is committed to making India clean from coast to coast. Since its launch on October 2, 2014, monumental efforts have been undertaken in this direction.
Statistics reveal that the Government of India has constructed more than 10 crores of toilets across the nation. The primary objective is to promote proper sanitation and thereby ensure the well-being of the population. So far, 36 Indian states have achieved open defecation-free status, marking a significant step towards success. This achievement has significantly enhanced the quality of life for countless people across the country.
Government’s Unwavering Commitment
The Indian government is leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit of a cleaner and more hygienic India. The Swachhata Hi Seva scheme has played a pivotal role in making people more responsible for sanitation practices. As responsible citizens, it is incumbent upon us to contribute to this noble mission.
SWACHHATA HI SEVA-2023: Focusing on ‘Garbage Free India’
The theme of SWACHHATA HI SEVA (SHS)-2023 centers around achieving a ‘Garbage Free India,’ with a special emphasis on visual cleanliness and the welfare of SafaiMitras. As in previous years, the campaign places a strong emphasis on voluntarism and shramdaan (voluntary labor). The focus of these cleanliness drives will be on high-traffic public areas, including bus stands, railway stations, cantonment boards, beaches, tourist destinations, zoos, national parks, sanctuaries, historical monuments, heritage sites, riverfronts, ghats, drains, and water bodies, both in rural and urban areas of states and union territories.
Launch and Activities
The SWACHHATA HI SEVA (SHS) campaign was officially launched on September 15, 2023, and featured the following activities:
- Virtual launch by the Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti and the Hon’ble Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs.
- Virtual interaction (Samwaad) with selected District Magistrates/District Collectors and Municipal Commissioners.
Activities proposed for states, districts, and blocks during the SWACHHATA HI SEVA (SHS) campaign from September 15th to October 2nd, 2023, include:
- Removal of garbage from all important places.
- Repair, painting, cleaning, and branding of all sanitation assets, such as litter bins, public toilets, dhalaos, waste transport vehicles, MRFs, etc., in the area.
- Participation in clean-up drives along riverbanks and the removal of waste, especially plastic, from water bodies, particularly in Ganga Grams and Ganga Towns.
- Cleaning activities at zoos, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, etc., under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), coupled with regulations on plastic materials within protected areas to prevent littering.
- Cleanliness drives at tourist spots and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monuments, accompanied by Information, Education & Communication (IEC) initiatives aimed at discouraging the use of single-use plastic items. The campaign also advocates the proper segregation of dry and wet waste, aligning with the Hara Geela Sookha Neela campaign.
- Cleanliness initiatives in Cantonment Board areas, alongside the Information, Education & Communication (IEC) campaign promoting alternatives to single-use plastic (SUP).
- Promoting cleanliness and awareness activities in schools to educate children about waste segregation at its source, the journey of waste, the concept of waste to wealth, and alternatives to SUP. Where feasible, Sanitation Clubs may be established in schools and colleges.
- Under the campaign ‘Har Patri Saaf Sutri,’ cleaning all assets under Railways, including railway tracks, stations, colonies, hospitals, and more.
- Organizing special programs and cultural events to promote the sanitation journey of the country.
Join hands with fellow citizens, take part in the SWACHHATA HI SEVA campaign, and contribute to the transformation of India into a cleaner and more sustainable nation. It’s time to make a difference, one clean step at a time!