The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has initiated number of activities for the campaign involving deep cleaning of canteens, corridors, department vehicles and more to pledge their support to the campaign. The ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ (SHS) campaign, spearheaded by the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, is being celebrated from 15th September to 2nd October, 2023.
This annual campaign carries the core objective of encouraging voluntary participation and community engagement. With the theme ‘Garbage Free India,’ the spirit of voluntarism and shramdaan will remain at the forefront of the nationwide activities.
To invite maximum participation from people across the nation, several nationwide activities and events are being planned, for instance, “Ek Tareekh – Ek Ghanta”. An inspiring and impactful event, which is scheduled to take place on the 1st October at 10 AM, aims to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities to collectively dedicate one hour to cleanliness.
Participants will actively participate in various cleanliness activities, promoting a sense of unity and responsibility towards a cleaner environment. During the events, citizens can click pictures and upload them to the portal “Swachhata Hi Seva – Citizens Portal” to mark their contribution towards SHS campaign.
Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare along with Addl. Secretary and Joint Secretary (Administration) are undertaking periodic reviews of cleanliness within Krishi Bhawan premises. The proactive commitment to cleanliness underscores the department’s dedication to creating a hygienic and efficient work environment for all.
The strategic placement of informative standees at various prominent locations within Krishi Bhawan to encourage both staff and visitors to actively participate in the cleanliness drive is another significant step by the Department towards thepromotion of the campaign.
Thorough cleaning of the vertical garden at the entrance were among the first few activities by the Department. Additionally, a deep cleaning of the corridors and rooms within Krishi Bhawan were also carried out. Notably, department officials actively engaged in this cleaning process, taking personal responsibility for the cleanliness of their respective workstations. The department further demonstrated its dedication to cleanliness by ensuring that all departmental vehicles were thoroughly cleaned.
In a move to enhance the office environment, potted plants are being thoughtfully placed in corridors of Krishi Bhawan, following the removal of discarded, old furniture.
The Department is championing waste reduction initiatives with innovative approaches. To streamline operations and reduce paper waste, instructions have been issued to utilize the scanning facility for physical files, which are being made accessible through the General Administration section.
Until 4th October, 2023, the department will be actively sharing informative and engaging content on their social media platform. This content will include updates of the ongoing activities within the department, as well as informative social media creative covering various subjects pertaining to the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign. Millets will be an active focus of the DoA&FW during the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, with an emphasis on the theme ‘Swachhata bhi Swasthya bhi’. Millets are ancient grains packed with health benefits, they use less resource and have low carbon footprint. Moreover, they can also grow in poor, degraded soil, boosting soil health and prevent soil contamination to a large extent. Adoption of these clean and climate friendly grains found a resounding support of more than 70 countries, when the United Nations General Assembly acted upon India’s resolution to declare year 2023 as the International Year of Millets. This decision placed India at the forefront of the global celebration.
Subordinate offices and Directorates have been asked to upload data regarding their activities during the campaign on the portal developed by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs & Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
The Directorates have planned numerous activities and initiatives across high footfall places for the mass cleanliness drive. For instance, Directorate of Sugarcane Development will be ramping up the walking track in Tikona Park of Sector B, Aliganj, Lucknow. The Directorate of Oilseeds Development has planned cleaning of debris and clearing of bushes in the Oilseeds Residential Estate. Directorate of Pulses Development will conduct cleanliness and sanitizing drive under “Swacchta Hi Sewa” on 1st October.
These efforts aim to reach a wider audience, educate the public on important issues, and encourage active participation in initiatives related to cleanliness.