The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) along with its 114 Institutes, Regional Centres, Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes (ATARIs) and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) participated in the fortnight-long Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign from September 17 to October 2, 2026. The campaign was implemented under the theme 'Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat' following a prescribed five-pillar framework and date-wise action plan.
The campaign commenced on September 17, 2026 with the Swachhata Pledge administered by the Secretary of DARE and Director General of ICAR in the presence of senior officers including the AS&FA. The pledge was introduced through video conferencing to ICAR Institutes and establishments across the country. For wider dissemination, ICAR Headquarters issued press releases on campaign activities, while individual institutes used local print media, banners, and social media platforms including Facebook, X, and Instagram to reach diverse audiences including digitally engaged users and Gen Z.
The five-pillar framework included: Transformation of Cleanliness Target Units and Clean Public Places involving identification and transformation of black and dark spots across urban and rural areas including bus stands, institutional premises, and research fields; Swachh Paathshala: Yuva for Swachhata engaging students and youth through cleanliness drives, awareness activities, demonstrations, and competitions; Safai Mitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivir focusing on safety, health, dignity and social welfare of sanitation workers including awareness of social welfare schemes like VB-GRAMG and PMAY; Jan Bhagidari for Swachhata promoting citizen participation in cleanliness drives at visarjan sites, riverbanks, ghats, and public areas with eco-friendly celebrations; and Swachhata Se Samriddhi promoting reduce, reuse, recycle principles through Waste to Art, Kabaad Se Jugaad, and plastic-free initiatives.
The campaign also included focus on Swachh Tourist Spots with cleanliness drives and illumination of ASI monuments with Swachhata messages. Activities were documented through daily photographs uploaded on the SHS portal and compiled daily reports forwarded to DKMA for uploading on the ICAR website. The campaign culminated on October 1, 2026 with participation in the nationwide 'Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath' initiative through collective shramdaan and cleanliness activities, followed by Swachh Bharat Diwas observance on October 2, 2026. The culmination focused on showcasing transformed cleanliness target units, undertaking plantation under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam', and recognizing contributors.