The Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare has embarked on various activities as part of the 'Swachhata Hi Seva' (SHS) campaign in a bid to promote cleanliness & inspire community engagement. This nationwide campaign, initiated by the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, is being celebrated from September 15th to October 2nd, 2023.
The primary objective of the annual SHS campaign is to encourage voluntary participation and community involvement, with this year's theme being 'Garbage Free India.' The campaign places a strong emphasis on the spirit of voluntarism and shramdaan (voluntary labor), aiming to unite people from diverse backgrounds in the pursuit of a cleaner and healthier environment.
To maximize participation from citizens across the nation, several nationwide activities and events have been planned, including the noteworthy "Ek Tareekh - Ek Ghanta" event scheduled for October 1st at 10 AM. This event aims to bring together individuals from various communities to dedicate one hour to cleanliness. Participants will actively engage in cleaning activities, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility for a cleaner environment. To mark their contributions, citizens can take pictures during these events and upload them to the "Swachhata Hi Seva – Citizens Portal."
The Department's commitment to cleanliness is evident through periodic reviews of Krishi Bhawan premises by the Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, along with the Addl. Secretary and Joint Secretary (Administration). This proactive approach underscores the department's dedication to creating a hygienic and efficient work environment for all.
In addition to these efforts, the department has strategically placed informative standees at prominent locations within Krishi Bhawan to encourage both staff and visitors to actively participate in the cleanliness drive. Among the initial activities undertaken by the Department were the thorough cleaning of the vertical garden at the entrance and the deep cleaning of corridors and rooms within Krishi Bhawan. Notably, department officials actively participated in these cleaning processes, assuming personal responsibility for the cleanliness of their respective workstations.
The department also ensured that all departmental vehicles received a thorough cleaning. To enhance the office environment, potted plants are being thoughtfully placed in Krishi Bhawan corridors following the removal of old, discarded furniture. The Department is also championing waste reduction initiatives through innovative approaches. To minimize paper waste, instructions have been issued to utilize scanning facilities for physical files, making them accessible through the General Administration section.
Until October 4th, 2023, the department will actively share informative and engaging content on their social media platforms. This content will include updates on ongoing departmental activities related to the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign. Additionally, it will cover various subjects related to the campaign, with a special focus on millets under the theme 'Swachhata bhi Swasthya bhi.' Millets, being ancient grains with numerous health benefits and a low carbon footprint, have garnered support from more than 70 countries, leading to the declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets by the United Nations General Assembly.
Subordinate offices and Directorates have been instructed to upload data regarding their campaign activities on the portal developed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs & Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation. Various Directorates have planned a multitude of activities across high-footfall locations to promote the mass cleanliness drive. For example, the Directorate of Sugarcane Development is enhancing the walking track in Tikona Park of Sector B, Aliganj, Lucknow.
The Directorate of Oilseeds Development plans to clean debris and clear bushes in the Oilseeds Residential Estate, while the Directorate of Pulses Development will conduct a cleanliness and sanitizing drive under "Swacchta Hi Sewa" on October 1st.
