Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 Launched with Plantation Drive at India Gate
MoHUA and DDWS launched Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 with a plantation drive at India Gate, unveiling key pillars and a Whole of Government approach.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) have jointly launched the nationwide Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 campaign. The launch was marked by a plantation drive under the 'Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam' initiative at Children's Park, India Gate, New Delhi.
The event was organised in collaboration with the New Delhi Municipal Corporation and saw the participation of senior officials, including Ashok K K Meena, Secretary, DDWS, Ministry of Jal Shakti; Satendra Singh, Secretary, Department of Urban Development, MoHUA; and D. Thara, Secretary, Department of Capital Development, MoHUA, along with other senior officers from both ministries, reflecting a Whole of Government approach.
With the theme "Swachhata Mein Sahbhag; Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat," SHS 2026 emphasises that cleanliness is a shared responsibility and that a clean and developed India can only be achieved through the combined efforts of government and society. States, Union Territories, and citizens across the country have begun participating in the campaign with enthusiasm.
The campaign is built on five key pillars. The first focuses on transforming Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) and clean public places through timebound clearing and site beautification. The second, Swachh Paathshala - Yuva for Swachhata, involves exposure visits for students and youth to waste management assets via Swachhata Gyan Yatras and Swachhata Evam Jal Sanchay Samvad, along with interactions and competitions. The third pillar, SafaiMitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivirs, provides single-window camps for preventive health checkups, saturation of eligible beneficiaries under social security welfare schemes, and felicitation of SafaiMitras, Swachhagrahis, and sanitation workers.
The fourth pillar, Jan Bhagidari for Swachhata, promotes advocacy, awareness on Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, and four-way source segregation, along with RRR Recyclers' Meets, 'Sports for Swachhata', Swachh Parv, Harit Parv for clean and green festivities, and special activities on World Tourism Day and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam. The fifth pillar, Swachhata se Samriddhi, focuses on the circular economy through Waste-to-Wealth and Waste to Art initiatives.
On 2nd October, Special Gram Sabhas will be held in rural areas and Special Council Meetings in urban areas. The Gram Sabhas will discuss the outcomes of SHS 2026, generate awareness on Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 and four-way source segregation, and assess Swachh Seva Aankalan and ODF Plus (Model) status in villages. The campaign aims to reach every section of society, with a special emphasis on ensuring visible cleanliness.