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) is participating in the fortnight-long Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign from 17 September to 2 October 2026 under the theme 'Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat'. The campaign is being implemented across the ICAR system following a prescribed five-pillar framework and date-wise action plan, commencing on 17th September 2026 with the Swachhata Pledge administered by the Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR.
Major activities are organized under five pillars: Transformation of Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) and Clean Public Places involving identification and transformation of black and dark spots across urban and rural areas; Swachh Paathshala: Yuva for Swachhata engaging students and youth through cleanliness drives and awareness activities; Safai Mitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivir focusing on safety, health, and dignity of sanitation workers; Jan Bhagidari for Swachhata promoting citizen participation in maintaining clean public spaces; and Swachhata Se Samriddhi promoting Reduce, Reuse and Recycle principles through waste management initiatives.
The campaign includes cleanliness drives at bus stands along highways, institutional premises, research fields, Visarjan sites, riverbanks, ghats, and ASI monuments. Activities also encompass Clean Green Festivities, eco-friendly celebrations, composting of flower waste, Waste to Art initiatives, Kabaad Se Jugaad, and plastic-free initiatives. Documentation is maintained through daily photograph uploads on the SHS portal and compiled reports forwarded to DKMA for uploading on the ICAR website.
The campaign will culminate on 1 October 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 2 October. Final activities will showcase transformed cleanliness target units, promote plantation under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam', and recognize contributors. Outreach has been conducted through press releases, local print media, banners, and social media platforms including Facebook, X and Instagram to extend the message to digitally engaged audiences and younger generations.