Odisha to Launch Fortnight-Long ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2025’ Campaign

Bhubaneswar : All Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Odisha are set to actively participate in the fortnight-long Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2025 campaign from September 17 to October 2, under the spirit of Swachh Utsav. The campaign aims to reinforce citizen involvement in promoting cleanliness, environmental consciousness, and sustainable living.

Since its launch in 2017, Swachhata Hi Seva has evolved into a nationwide people’s movement, encouraging voluntary efforts and collective action for a cleaner and healthier India. Over the years, it has inspired millions of citizens to dedicate time and effort to improve hygiene in their communities.

The highlight of this year’s campaign will be the Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath programme on September 25 at 8 am, where citizens across the country will dedicate one hour to shramdaan (voluntary labour), spreading the message that cleanliness is a shared responsibility.

The campaign will conclude on October 2, observed as Swachh Bharat Diwas on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The key focus areas of SHS 2025 include:

• Transformation of Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs)
• Identification, mapping, and clearance of difficult and dirty spots across ULBs
• Ensuring high standards of cleanliness in markets, institutions, establishments, and public areas
• Organizing health check-up camps for sanitation workers and linking them with welfare schemes
• Promoting eco-friendly practices, waste segregation, and zero-waste celebrations during festivals
• Conducting campaigns like Waste to Art initiatives, Clean Street Food drives, and encouraging RRR (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Centres to boost circular economy practices

The Housing and Urban Development Department has directed all ULBs to engage resident welfare associations, self-help groups (SHGs), community-based organizations, market associations, students, and youth volunteers to participate actively.

Principal Secretary Usha Padhee remarked, “Swachhata Hi Seva is not just a campaign, but a people’s festival of responsibility. Swachhotsav embodies community participation, dignity of labour, and environmental consciousness.”

With this campaign, Odisha aims to strengthen citizen engagement, improve urban cleanliness, and promote sustainable practices that contribute to a healthier and greener environment.