Odisha to Observe Swachhata Hi Seva from September 17, Focus on Citizen Participation

Bhubaneswar: Odisha will launch the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS)-2026 campaign on September 17, with a state-wide push for cleaner public spaces, greater citizen participation and improved sanitation practices ahead of its culmination on October 2.

The fortnight-long campaign will focus on cleanliness, sanitation, sustainable urban living and the safety and dignity of sanitation workers across the state. It will be organised in line with the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) theme, “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat.”

A meeting on the campaign was held with the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister, attended virtually by Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee, Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua, Special Secretary-cum-Mission Director, SBM (Urban), Binay Kumar Dash and other senior officials.

Following the meeting, the Housing and Urban Development Department issued detailed directions to Municipal Commissioners and Executive Officers of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for coordinated and time-bound implementation of the campaign.

Mahapatra said Odisha was fully prepared for the campaign and would implement the guidelines in their intended spirit. One of the major state-wide initiatives will be the lighting of one crore lamps, with efforts to involve households across all districts.

The campaign will also see coordinated sanitation and development activities in rural and urban areas. While community-led cleanliness drives will be undertaken in rural areas, the Panchayati Raj Department will take up development works around rural water bodies and the Housing and Urban Development Department will undertake similar work in urban areas.

The state also plans to document the condition of selected locations before and after the interventions through videos to showcase the transformation achieved during the campaign.

The SHS-2026 campaign will follow a “Whole of Society” and “Whole of Government” approach, bringing together citizens, government agencies, elected representatives, educational institutions, community organisations and other stakeholders.

Five key areas have been identified for the campaign. These include time-bound transformation of Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) and garbage vulnerable points; engagement of students and youth through Swachhata Gyan Yatras and Swachhata Samvads; SafaiMitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivirs for health check-ups and welfare support; Jan Bhagidari through zero-waste sports activities and eco-friendly celebrations; and Swachhata Se Samriddhi, promoting waste-to-art and waste-to-wealth initiatives.

ULBs have been asked to ensure cleanliness, beautification and sustained maintenance of identified locations and garbage vulnerable points. Special attention will be given to the safety, dignity and welfare of sanitation workers, along with creating awareness among young people about responsible waste management.

A major citizen mobilisation programme, “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” Shramdaan, will be held on October 1. Citizens, public representatives, government employees, institutions and community organisations will be encouraged to participate together in cleanliness activities.

The campaign will conclude on October 2 with Swachh Bharat Diwas. Special meetings of ULB councils will also be held to review sanitation initiatives and renew commitments towards sustainable sanitation and improved urban living.

The department has directed ULBs to prepare comprehensive 360-degree Information, Education and Communication (IEC) plans to maximise public participation and campaign outreach, using available SBM (Urban) 2.0 funds or their own resources.

The campaign aims to reinforce cleanliness as a shared responsibility and strengthen public participation in building a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Odisha.