Nationwide 'Swachhata Hi Seva 2026' Campaign Launched with Tree Plantation Drive

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) jointly launched the 'Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026' campaign at Children's Park, located near India Gate in New Delhi. The nationwide campaign commenced with a tree plantation drive under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative. The event was organized in collaboration with the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).

Senior officials from both ministries attended the event, including Mr. Ashok K.K. Meena, Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti; Mr. Satyendra Singh, Secretary of the Urban Development Department under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs; and Mrs. D. Thara, Secretary of the Capital Development Department.

Based on the theme 'Participation in Sanitation; Clean India, Developed India,' the campaign emphasizes that sanitation is a shared responsibility. Its goal is to achieve the objective of a clean and developed India through the cooperation of the entire government and society.

The main pillars of SHS 2026 are as follows:

1. Rejuvenation of Cleanliness Target Units (CTU) and Public Places: This includes the time-bound cleaning of CTUs and the beautification of public spaces. 2. Swachh Pathshala - Youth for Sanitation: 'Cleanliness Knowledge Journeys,' dialogues on sanitation and water conservation, competitions, and educational visits to waste management facilities will be organized for students and youth. 3. SafaiMitra Suraksha and Samman Camps: Single-window camps will be set up for the preventive health check-ups of sanitation workers, providing them with benefits from social security schemes and recognizing their contributions. 4. Public Participation for Sanitation: Awareness will be raised regarding the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules 2026 and the four methods of waste segregation. Additionally, RRR (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Recyclers Meets, 'Sports for Sanitation,' Green Festivals, and special activities on World Tourism Day will be organized. 5. Prosperity through Sanitation: This pillar will focus on circular economy initiatives, 'Waste-to-Wealth,' and 'Waste-to-Art' projects.

Under the campaign, special Gram Sabhas will be held in rural areas and special council meetings will be conducted in urban areas on October 2. In Gram Sabhas, discussions will center on the Solid Waste Management Rules 2026, waste segregation, and the evaluation of ODF Plus (Model) status in villages. The primary objective this year is to reach every section of society and ensure direct cleanliness.