India Launches Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 to Reinforce Commitment to Cleanliness

New Delhi: The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has officially launched the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 campaign. This nationwide cleanliness initiative, themed ‘Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskar Swachhata,’ marks a decade of transformative efforts under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), aiming to further the mission’s impact on India’s sanitation landscape.

The campaign commenced today with a series of high-profile events across the country. In Rajasthan, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, along with Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar and Avinash Gahlot from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, inaugurated the national activities in Jhunjhunu. In Karnataka, Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti V. Somanna led the state launch. Similar events were conducted in eight other states by Chief Ministers and senior dignitaries, with various other dignitaries leading launches across all States and Union Territories (UTs).

Key Components of SHS 2024

The SHS 2024 campaign focuses on several critical components to drive national cleanliness efforts:

• Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs): The campaign aims to transform over 6 lakh identified difficult and dirty spots across India. Public sector units (PSUs), industry partners, and NGOs are encouraged to adopt these CTUs for remediation and cleanliness efforts.
• Public Participation: Over 6.5 lakh events are scheduled nationwide under the theme of ‘Swachhata Mein Jan Bhagidari,’ involving citizens in awareness and cleanliness activities across urban and rural areas. The campaign emphasizes a ‘Whole-of-Society Approach,’ engaging various stakeholders, including citizens, industries, urban local bodies, NGOs, and panchayats.
• Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs: More than 80,000 camps will be set up to provide sanitation workers with health checkups, safety gear, and access to social security schemes, ensuring their well-being.

Reflections and Achievements

In her opening remarks at the 8th India Water Week (IWW) 2024, President of India, Droupadi Murmu, underscored the significance of the SHS campaign in promoting sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices and strengthening global partnerships.

Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C. R. Paatil, highlighted the success of SBM, noting its role in reducing infant mortality, preventing disease, and enhancing livelihoods. He emphasized that SBM has dramatically improved sanitation access, with over 11.6 crore toilets constructed, making India Open Defecation Free. He also highlighted that 50% of India’s villages are now ODF Plus Model villages, showcasing the campaign’s impact.

Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Vini Mahajan, reflected on the campaign’s decade-long journey and the collective commitment needed to drive future transformation. She emphasized the importance of integrating cleanliness into the national ethos and maintaining it as a way of life.

Looking Ahead

The SHS 2024 campaign will culminate in the Swachh Bharat Diwas celebrations on October 2, featuring large-scale cleanup activities, cultural events, and public advocacy. Citizens are encouraged to participate and support the campaign by visiting the official SHS 2024 portal at www.swachhatahiseva.gov.in.