Swachhata Hi Seva 3.0: A Pledge for a Cleaner India

What is Swachhata Hi Seva?

Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS), translated as “Cleanliness is Service,” is a nationwide campaign initiated by the Government of India. This annual event, which typically runs from 15th September to 2nd October, is a call to action for all citizens to actively participate in shramdaan (voluntary service) activities to promote cleanliness and sanitation. Organized jointly by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), SHS aims to create a ‘jan andolan’ or people’s movement for cleanliness through community involvement. The campaign is designed to emphasize the significance of cleanliness, engage individuals in Swachh Bharat (Clean India) initiatives, and set the stage for Swachh Bharat Diwas on 2nd October.

Theme of SHS-2023

The theme of SHS-2023 is ‘Garbage Free India,’ with a specific focus on visual cleanliness and the welfare of SafaiMitras (sanitation workers). Like previous years, the cornerstone of SHS activities is voluntarism, with people voluntarily contributing their time and effort to make India cleaner. The primary focus areas for cleanliness drives during the campaign include high footfall public places such as bus stands, railway stations, cantonment boards, beaches, tourist destinations, zoos, national parks, historical monuments, heritage sites, river fronts, ghats, drains, and waterways in both rural and urban areas.

Key Activities and Initiatives

The SHS campaign for 2023 involves a series of activities designed to promote cleanliness, engage communities, and foster awareness:

1. Virtual Launch: On 15th September, 2023, the SHS campaign will be officially launched virtually by the Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti and the Hon’ble Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs. This launch sets the tone for the entire campaign.
2. Virtual Interaction: A virtual interaction (Samwaad) will be held with selected District Magistrates (DM) and Deputy Commissioners (DC), as well as Municipal Commissioners to discuss the campaign’s progress and strategies.
3. Garbage Removal: The removal of garbage from all critical public places is a primary activity. This includes cleaning and branding of sanitation assets like litter bins, public toilets, waste transport vehicles, Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), and more.
4. Cleaning of Water Bodies: Efforts will be made to clean riverbanks and remove waste, particularly plastic waste, from water bodies, with a specific focus on Ganga Grams and Ganga Towns.
5. Wildlife Sanctuaries and Historical Sites: Cleaning operations will extend to zoos, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and ASI-protected monuments. An emphasis will be placed on discouraging the use of single-use plastic items.
6. Cantonment Boards: The campaign will also target cleanliness drives in cantonment board areas, with awareness campaigns promoting alternatives to single-use plastics.
7. Education and Awareness: Educational institutions will play a significant role in spreading awareness. Schools and colleges will be encouraged to conduct cleanliness drives and create sanitation clubs to educate students on waste segregation, the journey of waste, alternatives to single-use plastics, and the importance of cleanliness.
8. Railway Assets: ‘Har Patri Saaf Sutri’ is a part of the campaign, focusing on the cleaning of all railway assets, including tracks, stations, colonies, and hospitals.
9. Cultural Events: Special programs and cultural events will be organized to celebrate the sanitation journey of the country.

Impact of Swachhata Hi Seva

Since its inception, Swachhata Hi Seva has seen active participation from millions of people, resulting in a significant impact on cleanliness and sanitation. To date, the campaign has witnessed:

• Over 109 million people participating.
• Completion of more than 1.2 million activities.
• Cumulative man-hours exceeding 5.2 billion.

A Needed Initiative

Swachhata Hi Seva, with its annual call for cleanliness and community engagement, is an essential part of India’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission). This campaign demonstrates the government’s commitment to creating a cleaner and healthier India and reinforces the idea that sanitation is everyone’s business. Through Swachhata Hi Seva, India takes a collective step towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.

References:

1. Swachhata Hi Seva – Official Website
2. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs – Government of India
3. Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation – Government of India