Special Cleanliness Drive and Public Awareness Program in Namkum under Swachhta Hi Seva-2026

Cleanliness is our responsibility, reducing plastic use is our priority, and environmental protection is the collective responsibility of all of us. __Shri Yogendra Prasad, Minister, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation

Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation Shri Yogendra Prasad said that cleanliness is a collective responsibility of every citizen as well as the government. Therefore, he called upon people to keep their homes, villages, and surrounding public places clean and to make cleanliness a part of their daily behavior. He was addressing the people present at a special cleanliness drive and public awareness program in Namkum block on Thursday under the "Swachhta Hi Seva-2026" campaign by Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). The objective of the program was to promote public participation in cleanliness, reduce the use of plastic, conserve the environment, and advance cleanliness as a public campaign.

Message to use cloth bags instead of plastic

Minister Shri Yogendra Prasad specifically emphasized reducing the use of single-use plastic and adopting cloth bags instead. He said that plastic pollution can be reduced through small practical changes. "Adopt cloth bags, reduce plastic use." During this, cloth bags were distributed among the general public.

Minister Shri Yogendra Prasad himself participated in the cleanliness drive

During the program, Minister Shri Prasad himself participated in the cleanliness drive and cleaned the program site and surrounding area. The public representatives, officials, staff, and local citizens present with him also expressed their collective commitment to cleanliness by participating in the drive.

Afforestation under "One Tree in Mother's Name" sends a message of environmental protection along with cleanliness

Afforestation under the "One Tree in Mother's Name" campaign was also conducted at the program, linking the message of environmental protection with cleanliness. Minister Shri Yogendra Prasad and the officials present planted saplings, inspiring people to protect a green and clean environment. Along with this, messages of cleanliness and public awareness were symbolically spread by releasing balloons. Efforts were made to connect more and more people to the campaign through cleanliness pledges, selfie points, and other public awareness activities.

Shri Abu Imran, Secretary, Drinking Water and Sanitation, emphasized advancing cleanliness as a continuous public campaign and making Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) effective in rural areas. He said that active participation of the community is essential along with government efforts to strengthen the cleanliness system. He appealed to the public to maintain cleanliness at their level, manage waste properly, and reduce the unnecessary use of plastic.

Mission Director SBM-G Shrimati Ranjita Hembram gave the message of public participation and behavior change At the program, Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), Shrimati Ranjita Hembram emphasized making the Swachhta Hi Seva campaign not just a program but a continuous campaign of public participation and behavior change.

The program was attended by Joint Secretary Shri Shashindra Baraik, Block Development Officer (BDO) of Namkum block, UNICEF's WASH Expert Shri Kumar Premchand, and other departmental officials and employees.