Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 to Begin on September 17 with Focus on Youth and Public Participation

New Delhi: The nationwide Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign will begin on September 17, with the government calling for wider public participation to strengthen cleanliness efforts and promote lasting behavioural change.

The campaign, observed annually since 2017, will be conducted under the theme “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag; Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat”, highlighting cleanliness as a shared responsibility.

Union Minister for Jal Shakti C.R. Patil and Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu addressed a curtain-raiser media interaction in New Delhi on Wednesday. Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal also appealed to citizens and State governments to actively participate in the campaign.

The campaign is being jointly organised by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Department of Urban Development under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Central ministries, States and Union Territories, local bodies, educational institutions and other stakeholders will participate in various cleanliness activities.

The 2026 campaign will focus on five major pillars — transforming identified Cleanliness Target Units and public places, engaging students and youth through Swachh Paathshala – Yuva for Swachhata, organising SafaiMitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivir, strengthening Jan Bhagidari for Swachhata, and promoting Swachhata se Samriddhi through waste-to-wealth and waste-to-art initiatives.

Special emphasis has been placed on students and young people as key drivers of sustained behavioural change. Activities such as Swachhata Gyan Yatra, visits to waste-management facilities and awareness programmes on rainwater harvesting and water management will be organised.

The campaign will also provide support to sanitation workers through health check-ups, personal protective equipment, safety gear and linkages with eligible welfare schemes. Safai Mitras, Swachhagrahis and sanitation workers will also be recognised for their contribution to cleanliness efforts.

A nationwide “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” shramdaan will be held on October 1 from 8 am to 9 am, bringing citizens together for one hour of voluntary cleanliness service.

On October 2, observed as Swachh Bharat Diwas, Special Gram Sabhas will be organised in rural areas while Special Council Meetings will take place in urban areas. The sessions will review campaign outcomes and spread awareness about the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.

Plantation drives under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” will also be conducted across villages and cities on October 2. Citizens will additionally be encouraged to take the Swachhata Pledge through the MyGov platform.

The campaign will promote four-way source segregation, composting and awareness about waste-management rules. Activities will include Sports for Swachhata, plantation drives, Plastic Recycling Melas and donation initiatives for old books, toys and clothes.

Speaking at the curtain-raiser, C.R. Patil urged citizens, particularly students and youth, to participate actively in the campaign. Tokhan Sahu stressed that government offices and institutions should lead by example by maintaining cleanliness on their premises.

With participation from governments, institutions, communities and citizens, Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 aims to turn cleanliness into sustained public action and strengthen the vision of a Swachh and Viksit Bharat.

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