*MC Chandigarh Initiates Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign with Citywide Deep Cleaning*
*Mayor launches Cleanliness Drive at Dadumajra and Swachhata Pledge at Sector 22 Market*
*Chandigarh, September 18:-* Aiming to create a cleaner and healthier environment while promoting the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (RRR), the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has launched the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign, themed “Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata,” under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
Today, City Mayor Sh. Kuldeep Kumar launched a cleanliness drive at Dadumajra alongside residents. A Swachhata pledge was also held at the Sector 22 Market, encouraging collective action among citizens in the presence of the Mayor, Sh. Damanpreet Singh, area councillor and SBM Chandigarh Brand Ambassador Sh. Praveen Duggal among others.
Together, the councillors alongwith city residents conducted cleanliness drives in their respective wards in residential areas across the city, collaborating with Safaimitras to encourage everyone to maintain clean surroundings and instill these values into their Swabhav and Sanskaar.
The Mayor emphasized that this campaign is not just an initiative; it is a movement that requires the active participation of everyone. “Cleanliness is not merely the absence of dirt; it is a way of life, a shared responsibility that we must embrace collectively,” he stated.
MC Commissioner Sh. Vinay Pratap Singh, IAS, said that the deep cleaning drives citywide, including in residential areas, commercial spaces, schools, parks, government offices, gaushalas, backlanes, community centers, public conveniences, water bodies, religious places, and open lands, will continue until 2 October. The Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 campaign marks the 10th anniversary of this initiative, which has been observed annually since its inception in 2014 to commemorate the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The campaign focuses on three key pillars:
1. Swachhata Ki Bhagidaari (Public Participation, Awareness, and Advocacy)
2. Sampoorna Swachhata(Comprehensive Cleanliness Initiatives)
3. Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs(Preventive Health Checkups and Social Security Coverage)
He further stated that a series of Jan Andolans (people’s movements), along with major events and activities, have been planned in alignment with these pillars. The collaboration involves stakeholders including Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Welfare Associations (MWAs), NGOs, schools, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The focus will be on schools, residential associations, market vendors, the welfare of Safaimitras, and SHGs, ensuring that all stakeholders actively contribute to maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings.
Additionally, NHPC Limited Regional Office, Chandigarh, organized a poster-making competition today at Maharishi Dayanand Public School, MDAV Bhawan, Daria, Chandigarh. Over 100 students created meaningful posters on cleanliness and sanitation. Through their artwork, students emphasized the significance of cleanliness, advocated for eco-friendly practices, and promoted a zero-waste lifestyle. Swachhata Champions also highlighted the importance of waste segregation and minimizing the use of single-use plastics.
The campaign will feature large-scale cleanliness drives, innovative initiatives, and community engagement activities, promoting the message of “Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata.” This initiative aims to instill cleanliness as a habit and a core value while embracing the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (RRR).
