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 under the theme 'Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat'. The campaign was implemented across the ICAR system following a prescribed five-pillar framework and date-wise action plan, commencing on September 17, 2026 with the Swachhata Pledge administered by the Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR in the presence of senior officers including the AS&FA.
The campaign focused on five major pillars: 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 along highways, 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 promoting awareness of social welfare schemes like VB-GRAMG and PMAY; Jan Bhagidari for Swachhata promoting active public participation in cleanliness activities at Visarjan sites, riverbanks, ghats, and tourist spots including ASI monuments; and Swachhata Se Samriddhi promoting Reduce, Reuse and Recycle principles through Waste to Art, Kabaad Se Jugaad, and plastic-free initiatives.
For dissemination, press releases were issued by ICAR Headquarters while institutes used local print media, banners, and social media platforms including Facebook, X and Instagram to extend the message to digitally engaged audiences and younger generations. Activities were documented through daily photographs uploaded on the SHS portal, with compiled daily reports and photographs 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 cleanliness activities, promoting plantation under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam', and recognizing contributors. The ICAR system integrated cleanliness with public participation, youth engagement, environmental responsibility, dignity of sanitation workers, and responsible waste management, extending the Swachhata message beyond institutional premises into communities and public spaces.