Chandigarh, September 17:- Aiming to create a cleaner and healthier environment and promote RRR principles by engaging citizens across the city in various cleanliness drives and activities, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh launched the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign themed "Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata" under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
City Mayor Sh. Kuldeep Kumar officially launches the campaign at Rose Garden, Sector 16 here today in the presence of Sh. Rajeev Verma, IAS, Adviser to the Administrator, UT, Chandigarh.
The event was attended by Sh. Mandip Singh Brar, IAS, Secretary Local Government, Sh. Vinay Pratap Singh, IAS, MC Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, Chandigarh, Sh. Saurabh Joshi, area Councillor, Sh. Anup Gupta, former Mayor, other MC Councilors, Sh. Praveen Duggal and MX Kajal Mangalmukhi, SBM Brand Ambassadors along with other senior officers of MCC.
The state launch showcased remarkable teamwork with the formation of a human chain of 2,000 sanitation workers, spreading the message of cleanliness through Chandigarh's Swachhata Mascot, Swachhman. This emphasized the importance of waste segregation and symbolized the essence of cleanliness through “Swachhata Kay Chaar Rang.”
As part of its commitment to sustainability, the MCC organized the launch using eco-friendly "Zero Waste" practices, marking a significant step toward a greener future. The event featured floral decorations, minimal eco-friendly branding, cloth tenting, glassware cutlery, and sustainable souvenirs.
City Mayor Sh. Kuldeep Kumar stated at the launch, "As we embark on the significant initiative—Swachhata Hi Seva, a jan andolan that embodies our commitment to cleanliness and hygiene. From September 17th to October 2nd, we will celebrate Swachhata in Swabhav and Sanskaar, marking our homage to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, through Swachhanjali.”
He further added, "Mahatma Gandhi once said, 'Sanitation is more important than independence.' His vision for a clean India resonates with us today more than ever. As we honor his legacy, let us reflect on the dual ethos of Swabhav Swachhata—the inherent cleanliness we must cultivate within ourselves—and Sanskaar Swachhata—the values and traditions that promote cleanliness in our communities."
Earlier, Commissioner Sh. Vinay Pratap, IAS said during the launch, the Municipal Corporation successfully formed its third human chain in three consecutive years under the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign, delivering an impactful message on sanitation and showcasing the power of unity and teamwork.
He emphasized that this campaign is not just an initiative; it is a movement that requires the active participation of each and every one of you. Cleanliness is not merely the absence of dirt; it is a way of life, a shared responsibility that we must embrace collectively.
This year, the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 campaign marks the 10th anniversary of the initiative, which has been observed annually since its inception in 2014 to commemorate the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The campaign focuses on three key pillars:
1. Swachhata Ki Bhagidaari (Public Participation, Awareness, and Advocacy)
2. Sampoorna Swachhata (Comprehensive Cleanliness Initiatives)
3. Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs (Preventive Health Checkups and Social Security Coverage)
A series of Jan Andolans (people's movements), along with major events and activities, have been planned in alignment with these pillars. We are collaborating with stakeholders including Residents' Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Welfare Associations (MWAs), NGOs, schools, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The focus will be on schools, residential associations, market vendors, the welfare of Safaimitras, and SHGs, ensuring all stakeholders actively contribute to maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings.
Under the Swachhata Hi Seva2024 campaign launch, BBMB staff and citizens along with MCC Safaimitras carried out a deep cleaning drive in Ward No. 35, Sector 48 Motor Market (Cleanliness Target Unit).
Additionally, the campaign will feature large-scale cleanliness drives, innovative initiatives, and community engagement activities, promoting the message of "Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata"—instilling cleanliness as a habit and a core value while embracing the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (RRR).