The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organized a voluntary cleanliness drive (shramdaan) under the 'Swachhata Hi Seva 2026' campaign on October 1, 2026, near Gate No. 3 of Kartavya Bhavan-1 on Dr. Rajendra Prasad Marg, New Delhi. The event was led by Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research and Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), with participation from senior officials including Smt. Aradhana Patnaik (Additional Secretary and Mission Director of National Health Mission), Dr. Rakesh Gupta (Additional Secretary and Director General of National AIDS Control Organisation), and Dr. Loveneesh G. Krishna (Director General of Health Services), along with other ministry staff.
Participants engaged with enthusiasm under the campaign theme 'Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath', reaffirming the spirit of collective action. Dr. Bahl emphasized the importance of making cleanliness a sustained collective effort and encouraged both officials and citizens to actively contribute to maintaining clean and healthy surroundings. Smt. Patnaik highlighted the critical role of Jan Bhagidari (public participation) and individual responsibility in promoting cleanliness and creating healthier public spaces, noting that sustained cleanliness requires active participation from every individual.
The cleanliness drive was part of the ongoing 'Swachhata Hi Seva 2026' campaign, which aims to strengthen public participation and encourage citizens to contribute to nationwide cleanliness efforts. The campaign underscores that lasting cleanliness is both an institutional responsibility and a shared societal commitment requiring sustained public participation and collective action at the community level. The Ministry reiterated its commitment to Swachh Bharat objectives and emphasized the close linkage between cleanliness, public health, and healthy living, stating that sustained awareness, responsible waste management, and active citizen participation are essential for creating cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable public spaces.