The Ministry of Jal Shakti organized nationwide Special Gram Sabha observances on Swachh Bharat Diwas on October 2, 2026. Union Minister Shri C. R. Patil led the main event at Majigam village in Chikhli Block, Navsari District, Gujarat, accompanied by Gujarat Cabinet Minister Shri Naresh Patel, Joint Secretary & Mission Director of Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), District Collector Ms. Aishvarya Singh, and senior state and district officials.
During the Gram Sabha, the Union Minister felicitated sanitation workers and emphasized making cleanliness a collective daily commitment rather than a one-day campaign. He recalled Mahatma Gandhi's emphasis on 'Swachhata' alongside 'Swatantrata' and noted the significant sanitation efforts undertaken under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership through the Swachh Bharat Mission Jan Andolan.
The discussions focused on achievements of Swachhata Hi Seva 2026, the Solid Waste Management Rules 2026, and Swachh Seva Aankalan - the GP-level annual digital self-assessment framework. The Minister visited a "Waste to Art" exhibit showcasing creative reuse of discarded materials and participated in a plantation drive under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' program. All dignitaries and participants took the Swachhta pledge.
Special Gram Sabhas were organized across rural India to provide platforms for Gram Panchayats to review local sanitation and waste management efforts, discuss SHS 2026 outcomes, review four-way source segregation status, identify bulk waste generators, and discuss Swachh Seva Aankalan in ODF Plus Model Gram Panchayats. The events enabled gap assessment and integration of actions into Panchayat Development Plans.
Senior DDWS officials participated in Gram Sabhas across multiple states: in Dadra and Nagar Haveli at Sayli Gram Panchayat including STP visit; in Jharkhand at Pindarkom village, Sithiyo Gram Panchayat, Namkum Block, Ranchi District with sanitation asset inspection; in Haryana at Ratipur village, Palwal Block with segregation shed inspection; and in Madhya Pradesh at Mugaliya Haat and Jhirniya Gram Panchayats in Phanda Block, Bhopal District.