The Ministry of Jal Shakti has announced Swachhata Hi Seva 2026, an annual national campaign running from 17 September to 2 October that mobilises citizens, institutions and government bodies to undertake collective cleanliness activities. The campaign, themed “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag; Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat,” emphasises shared responsibility for sanitation and waste management across the country.
What the campaign covers
Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 operates under five core activity pillars:
- Transformation of Cleanliness Target Units: The campaign targets neglected garbage points and difficult-to-clean locations in markets, schools, hospitals, transport hubs, parks and water bodies. Citizens can report issues using the Swachhata App. Public and community toilets will be assessed using FACES parameters (Functional, Accessible, Clean, Eco-friendly and Safe).
- Swachh Paathshala – Yuva for Swachhata: Students from Classes 6 to 12 will participate in Swachhata Gyan Yatras, visits to waste management and sanitation facilities. Schools are encouraged to organise discussions on hygiene, handwashing, menstrual hygiene and safe drinking water.
- SafaiMitra Suraksha Seva Evam Samman Shivirs: Health camps for sanitation workers and their families will provide health services, safety equipment and welfare support.
- Jan Bhagidari for Swachhata: Citizens are encouraged to take ownership of everyday cleanliness through awareness of the Solid Waste Management Rules 2026, source segregation demonstrations, home composting, campaigns against littering and single-use plastics, and public pledges.
- Swachhata Se Samriddhi: The campaign promotes resource recovery and circularity through Reduce, Reuse and Recycle practices. Kabaad Se Jugaad promotes useful products from discarded materials, while Kabaad Se Kala promotes artistic creations from waste.
On 1 October, simultaneous cleanliness activities called Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath will be undertaken. On 2 October, Special Gram Sabhas and urban council meetings will discuss campaign activities and the new waste management rules.
What this means for you
If you are a student, school or institution, you are expected to participate in cleanliness activities and waste management awareness. If you are a sanitation worker, welfare support and health camps are available during the campaign period. Urban and rural residents can report cleanliness grievances through the Swachhata App and join community cleanliness drives. Households are encouraged to adopt practices like waste segregation, home composting and reducing single-use plastics as part of a sustained national effort to make cleanliness a shared habit.