Celebrating Cleanliness

Swachhta Pakhwada, translating to ‘Cleanliness Fortnight’, is a major initiative by the Government of India aimed at promoting cleanliness and hygiene across the country. This fortnight-long campaign is a part of the larger Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), which seeks to address issues related to sanitation and waste management on a national scale. Launched with the vision of creating a clean and healthy environment, Swachhta Pakhwada has become an essential tool in the country’s fight against filth and unsanitary living conditions. Recently, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated a 15-day Swachhta Pakhwada campaign titled ‘The Shuchita Sangram’ in Srinagar. This campaign is currently in full swing across the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The primary objectives of Swachhta Pakhwada are multi-faceted, focusing on raising awareness about the importance of cleanliness, encouraging community participation and behavioral change towards sustainable hygiene practices. The campaign aims to educate the public about the critical role cleanliness plays in health and well-being. During Swachhta Pakhwada, a variety of activities are organised to achieve these objectives. Cleanliness drives are a common feature, involving regular cleaning of public places such as streets, parks, schools, and hospitals. These drives not only improve the immediate environment but also set a practical example for the community. Awareness campaigns, including workshops, seminars and informational programs on hygiene and sanitation, are conducted to educate people about effective cleanliness practices. Competitions such as drawing, essay writing, and slogan-writing on themes related to cleanliness are also organized to engage students and the youth, instilling the values of cleanliness from a young age. Another symbolic activity is the Swachhta Pledge, where individuals commit to maintaining cleanliness and encourage others to follow suit. Regular inspections and monitoring of cleanliness in various institutions and public areas ensure that the efforts are sustained and effective. At the opening ceremony of the campaign, Sinha stated, “Swachhta Pakhwada is not just a campaign, it is a movement that embodies the spirit of a clean and healthy India which is inspired by the vision of Pujya Bapu and aims to instill a sense of responsibility and commitment towards maintaining cleanliness in our surroundings.” Lt. Governor highlighted the planned cleanliness drives for 186 identified tourist places in J&K, to be conducted jointly by the Department of Rural Development, Housing & Urban Development, and Tourism Department. Emphasizing the capacity building of Panchayat Secretaries and village-level workers, he directed officials to focus on public awareness, particularly among students, about waste management, segregation, and its environmental impact. He further stressed the importance of community participation through initiatives like Swachhta Banks and compost-making at the household level. Sinha also outlined four resolutions for the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir: Villages and Wards should be clean, healthy, green, and have sufficient water. He appealed to the citizens to participate enthusiastically in the Swachhta Pakhwada. This commitment to sustained efforts and maintaining the infrastructure created under the Swachh Bharat Mission is essential for J&K to achieve the cleanest union territory rank in the country.