Urban Development / Odisha to Observe Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 from September 17 to October 2

Bhubaneswar, Sept 10: Odisha will join the nationwide observance of Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 from September 17 to October 2, with a renewed emphasis on citizen participation, sanitation, dignity of sanitation workers, and sustainable urban living, officials said on Thursday.

A meeting on the campaign was held with Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar, attended by Odisha’s Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee, Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua, and SBM (Urban) Mission Director Binay Kumar Dash. Following the discussions, the Housing and Urban Development Department issued directives to all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for coordinated implementation.

Minister Mahapatra said preparations were complete and highlighted Odisha’s plan to light one crore lamps with household participation across districts. He added that sanitation drives would be undertaken in rural and urban areas, with the Panchayati Raj Department and H&UD Department leading respective initiatives. Documentation of improvements through videos will showcase the transformation.

The campaign will align with MoHUA’s theme “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat”, reinforcing a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach.

Five major pillars will guide the fortnight-long drive:

• Transformation of Cleanliness Target Units and garbage vulnerable points.
• Engagement of students and youth through Swachhata Gyan Yatras and Swachhata Samvads.
• SafaiMitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivirs for health check-ups and welfare linkages.
• Citizen participation through zero-waste sports and eco-friendly celebrations.
• Promotion of circular economy practices such as waste-to-art and waste-to-wealth.

ULBs have been directed to prepare robust IEC plans for citizen engagement and visibility, using SBM (Urban) 2.0 funds or their own resources. A major highlight will be the “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” Shramdaan drive on October 1, encouraging collective participation in cleanliness activities.

The campaign will culminate on October 2 with Swachh Bharat Diwas, reinforcing Odisha’s commitment to building a clean, inclusive, and sustainable urban environment.