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*Chandigarh, September 17:-* In a spirited beginning to the 9th edition of the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2025 campaign, Sh. Rajeev Verma, IAS, Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh, formally launched the citywide initiative under the aegis of the Swachh Bharat Mission. The 15-day campaign titled ‘Swachhotsav’, ‘Whole of Government and Whole of Society’ commenced at the iconic Rose Garden, with a powerful display of a human chain by Safaimitras representing the principles of Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle (RRR). This was followed by a Swachhata Rally, and presentation of manpower and sanitation machinery mobilized by the Municipal Corporation for the duration of the campaign.
Running from 17th September to 2nd October, culminating on Gandhi Jayanti, Swachhotsav 2025 aims to ignite a collective call to action across the “City Beautiful,” inspiring mass public participation in high-impact swachhata drives. The campaign uniquely combines the cultural fervour of the Indian festive season with civic responsibility, promoting cleanliness as a way of life.
During his address, Chief Secretary Sh. Rajeev Verma emphasized the campaign’s core theme of blending celebration with responsibility. He highlighted that Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs)—spaces in the city that are dark, dirty, or neglected—will be rapidly identified, transformed, and beautified not only during the campaign but also in the long term. He reiterated that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi Ji, SHS 2025 is anchored on the transformation of CTUs, the welfare and safety of Safaimitras, and building a plastic-free, sustainable urban environment. He appealed to citizens from all sections of society to come together for the celebration of Swachhta hi Seva.
Sh. Mandip Singh Brar, Home Secretary-cum-Secretary Local Government, Chandigarh, elaborated on the five key focus areas of Swachhotsav. These include the fast-track transformation of CTUs, cleanliness activities across public spaces, the organization of SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivirs—single-window camps for health, safety, and dignity of sanitation workers, promotion of Clean Green Festivities that are eco-friendly and zero-waste, and Swachhata Advocacy to spread the message of responsible sanitation practices. He stressed that the “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” shramdaan on September 25 will see active participation from citizens, political representatives, SBM ambassadors, youth groups, NGOs, partner organizations, and influencers. He also informed that during these Shivirs, frontline sanitation workers will be recognized and felicitated for their tireless contributions.
Municipal Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, who welcomed all dignitaries, detailed the series of initiatives being undertaken during the 15-day pakhwara. These include Clean Park Drives, Swachh School – Swachh Kal campaigns, Waste to Art Exhibitions, targeted cleanliness drives in collaboration with Resident Welfare Associations and Market Welfare Associations, Swachh Kanjak events, plastic collection drives, and the grand felicitation ceremony for cleanliness champions at the conclusion of the campaign.
He encouraged citizens to actively participate in the Swachhata Pratiyogita, a citywide competition launched during the event to involve all sections of society. Participants can register and submit their entries through the digital link https://shorturl.at/XkJqI.
The launch event itself was a zero-waste programme, strictly adhering to sustainability guidelines, setting an example of how public events can remain environmentally conscious. The occasion was graced by several senior officials from the Chandigarh Administration and the Municipal Corporation, reflecting a united and determined approach toward making Chandigarh a model of cleanliness and civic pride.
Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 reaffirms Chandigarh’s commitment to cleanliness, sustainability, and inclusive urban development, encouraging all citizens to be agents of change.
Also present during the occasion were Sh. Saurabh Kumar, IFS, Secretary Science & Technology & Renewable Energy; Sh. Swapnil M. Naik, IAS, Secretary Hospitality; Sh. Pardeep Kumar, IAS, Special Commissioner MCC; Sh. Himanshu Gupta, Joint Commissioner, Sh. Sanjay Arora, Chief Engineer, Dr. Inderdeep Kaur, Medical Officer of Health, MCC and other senior officials of Municipal Corporation and Chandigarh Administration.
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