The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) jointly launched the nationwide Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 campaign on September 17, 2026, with a plantation drive under the 'Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam' initiative at Children's Park, India Gate, New Delhi. The event was organized with the New Delhi Municipal Corporation and featured participation from senior officials including Sh. Ashok K K Meena (Secretary, DDWS), Sh. Satendra Singh (Secretary, Department of Urban Development), and Smt. D. Thara (Secretary, Department of Capital Development).
The campaign operates under the theme "Swachhata Mein Sahbhag; Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat" emphasizing cleanliness as a shared responsibility requiring a Whole of Government and Whole of Society approach. The campaign is structured around five key pillars: transformation of Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) and public places through time-bound cleanup and beautification; Swachh Paathshala engaging youth through waste management exposure visits and competitions; SafaiMitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivirs providing health checkups and social security welfare for sanitation workers; Jan Bhagidari for Swachhata involving advocacy, awareness on SWM Rules 2026, and recyclers' meets; and Swachhata se Samriddhi focusing on circular economy and waste-to-wealth initiatives.
On October 2nd, 2026, Special Gram Sabhas will be held in rural areas and Special Council Meetings in urban areas to discuss campaign outcomes, generate awareness on Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 and 4-way source segregation, and assess ODF Plus (Model) status in villages. The campaign aims to reach every section of society with special emphasis on ensuring visible cleanliness throughout the participation period.