ITANAGAR, Sep 17: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday joined students, teachers, NCC cadets and officials in a cleanliness drive at Mallo Tarin Government Higher Secondary School here, marking the state roll-out of Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026, a month-long campaign to promote cleanliness, hygiene and civic responsibility across the State.
The campaign is being observed under the theme “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat.”
Addressing the gathering, Khandu said cleanliness should not remain confined to school campuses but become an integral part of everyday life. He urged students to carry the habit of cleanliness from schools to their homes, villages, workplaces and offices.
Recalling the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission in 2014, the Chief Minister said the cleanliness initiative had evolved into a people’s movement across the country. In Arunachal Pradesh too, he said, the campaign had grown into a mass movement involving districts and villages across the State.
Khandu highlighted the improvement in sanitation and hygiene brought about by the movement, recalling that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made sanitation and the elimination of open defecation a key priority in his Independence Day address in 2014. He said toilets had subsequently been constructed across villages and households in Arunachal Pradesh through Central and State government initiatives.
The month-long State-wide campaign will feature around 12 programmes, including cleanliness-related competitions for school students. Art and speech competitions will be conducted at the district level, with district winners progressing to the State level.
He also announced that Seva Aapke Dwar camps would be organised across all districts during the campaign to connect villagers with government services and facilities provided through Central and State government schemes.
The Chief Minister appreciated the Waste to Art Park developed at Mallo Tarin GHSS in partnership with KPMG and the students. He said the initiative demonstrated how discarded materials could be creatively transformed into attractive and useful installations.
“These are small things but a very good habit. When the mind is clean, wisdom also works in the right direction,” Khandu said, linking cleanliness and orderliness with discipline and responsible living.
He also stressed the importance of discipline and respect for teachers, parents, elders and support staff, saying that habits developed during school years shape the character and conduct of young people.
Khandu encouraged students to use social media and digital platforms constructively for learning and acquiring knowledge. He also underlined the importance of sports for physical and mental well-being.
Referring to Arunachal Pradesh’s achievements in sports, he said the State had won more than 1,000 medals at national and international levels over the past decade. He said Arunachali athletes in Wushu and Taekwondo had been selected to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, and noted that the State had initiated the framework for Mission Olympics through the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs.
The Chief Minister said the government was creating platforms for young people in academics, sports, entertainment and other fields through initiatives such as Arunachal Got Talent, Mr Arunachal, Miss Arunachal, Arunachal Idol, Battle of Minds and Spelling Bees.
Khandu urged students to take the Swachhta pledge seriously, pointing out that it calls for dedicating 100 hours a year to cleanliness, or about two hours a week, and encouraging 100 others to take the pledge.
“Please take the pledge very seriously. Talk about cleanliness with your friends and family so that it becomes part of our lives,” he said.
He acknowledged the contributions of the Urban Local Bodies Department, Education Department, officials, Mallo Tarin GHSS, KPMG, NCC personnel and students in organising the State-level roll-out of SHS 2026.
The Chief Minister also appealed to citizens to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday by lighting a lamp in their homes or places of worship and praying for his good health and long life, as well as for the continued success of his efforts in the service of the nation.
PASIGHAT: The Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) on Thursday launched the month-long Seva Mera Yogdan 2026 and Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 campaign with a flag-off ceremony at the PMC office premises, Gumin Nagar here.
The campaign, implemented from September 17 to October 17, aims to strengthen citizen participation in cleanliness, sanitation, environmental protection, plantation, beautification of public spaces and civic responsibility. The SHS 2026 campaign is being observed nationwide under the theme “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag; Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat,” emphasizing collective participation and shared responsibility for cleanliness.
The flag-off ceremony was graced by local MLA Tapi Darang, in presence of Makbul Siram, Assistant Commissioner Pasighat, Tagom Padung, Chief Councillor PMC, Kamin Lego, Dy Chief Councillor PMC, and others.
On the occasion, the MLA flagged off vehicles that will be deployed across Pasighat town during the intensive month-long cleanliness drive.
Addressing the gathering, Darang called for active participation of citizens in the cleanliness campaign and appreciated the PMC councillors and municipal team for their efforts towards improving civic services in Pasighat. He also urged the PMC to extend the cleanliness initiative to BPGH and other hospitals within Pasighat, particularly in view of the hazardous and infectious nature of biomedical waste, stressing the need for its proper handling and disposal.
As the event initiates on the 76th birthday of Prime Minister of India, Darang referred to the birth anniversary of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and acknowledged his contribution to development initiatives, particularly infrastructure and road connectivity in the Northeast and Arunachal Pradesh.
Speaking on the occasion, Padung explained the operational modalities of the cleanliness drive and outlined the deployment and management of the newly launched vehicles for public services during the 30-day programme.
Under ‘Seva Mera Yogdan’, PMC will mobilise ward councillors, municipal officials, SHGs, NGOs, youth groups, market associations, educational institutions and local residents for cleanliness and environmental activities, including plantation, beautification, awareness drives, Walkathon, Plog Run and other community-based initiatives.
The PMC has called upon all stakeholders and citizens of Pasighat to actively participate in the campaign and contribute towards making the town cleaner, healthier and more sustainable. The campaign also seeks to promote sustained civic responsibility and collective action towards the broader vision of Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat and Swachh Pasighat Abhiyan (De:nam Anam).
YACHULI: The Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 campaign themed ‘Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat’ commenced in Yachuli today with a Swachhata Pledge led by Tajing Padung, ADC Keyi Panyor, in presence of Tai Kalley, executive engineer, Urban Development & Housing, along with AEs, JEs and sanitation staff of DUDA, Yachuli.
The pledge was followed by a mass social service and cleanliness drive, marking the beginning of the month-long campaign across the district.
Observed from September 17 to October 17, the campaign will bring together government departments, institutions, local bodies and communities through a series of cleanliness drives, awareness programmes and public-participation activities across Keyi Panyor district.
The campaign emphasises that cleanliness is not merely a one-day activity but a shared and sustained responsibility of every citizen.
Through collective participation and sustained action, the campaign seeks to promote cleaner public spaces, strengthen community ownership of sanitation and foster a culture of cleanliness across the district.
TAWANG: The month-long public service campaign ‘Seva Mera Yogdan’ was formally launched in Tawang today, with the objective of fostering active citizen participation in 25 community welfare initiatives under the theme ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2026.’
The campaign was inaugurated at the parking area of the DC’s office, Tawang, with the ceremonial lighting of lamp by Additional Deputy Commissioner Tawang Rinchin Leta.
The inaugural programme was attended by Assistant Commissioners Tenzin Jambey, Tsering Choden and Nawang Thutan, executive engineer DUDA Phurpa Lamu, along with officials of DUDA, the District Administration and other stakeholders.
As part of the launch, the Swachhata Pledge was administered to all participants, reaffirming their collective commitment towards cleanliness, responsible waste management, environmental protection and community service.
Beginning on September 17 and continuing till October 17, the month-long campaign seeks to transform the spirit of seva into meaningful action at the grassroots level. Through 25 community-oriented initiatives, it aims to strengthen civic responsibility, promote environmental sustainability and encourage people from all sections of society to actively contribute towards the welfare of their communities.
The campaign carries the message that cleanliness and community welfare are shared responsibilities, and that every individual contribution—however small—can make a meaningful difference.
The District Administration appealed to citizens, government departments, institutions, community organisations, youth and volunteers across Tawang district to actively participate in the campaign and make ‘Seva Mera Yogdan’ a true people’s movement for a cleaner, greener and more responsible Tawang.
ZIRO: Setting a tone for cleanliness and community ownership, Lower Subansiri district officially launched this year’s Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) campaign today with an inspiring pledge-taking ceremony and flagging off of new garbage collection vehicles at Ziro.
Led by Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme and Superintendent of Police Techi Hanyir, a large gathering of administrative officers, police personnel, departmental staff and local residents came together to take the Swachhata pledge.
Standing shoulder to shoulder, attendees formally committed themselves to maintaining rigorous hygiene standards, championing proper waste management, and driving community participation (Jan Bhagidari) across every corner of the district.
Following the pledge, the DC and SP officially flagged off a fleet of specialized garbage collection trucks, a move designed to ramp up daily municipal sanitation efficiency and streamline waste handling across the township.
Addressing the gathering, district leaders emphasized that cleanliness is not just an administrative duty, but a shared social responsibility that requires active public involvement. They outlined plans for upcoming district-wide events over the fortnight-long campaign, which will feature intensive community cleanliness drives (Shramdaan), waste-to-wealth initiatives, and special felicitation programs dedicated to honoring local sanitation workers (Safai Mitras) for their relentless efforts.
The district administration has warmly appealed to all local organizations, youth groups, trade unions, and residents of Ziro to come forward and take part in the scheduled activities, uniting to keep Ziro clean, green, and garbage-free.
KHONSA: With a renewed call for collective responsibility and community participation, the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 Campaign was formally launched here today during a meeting chaired by ADC Khonsa Namneet Singh.
The month-long nationwide cleanliness drive, to be observed from September 17 to October 17, aims to inspire citizens to adopt cleaner habits, strengthen waste management practices, and build a culture of shared responsibility towards public spaces.
The launch witnessed active participation from members of the District Special Cell on Solid Waste Management, TAAK, the Khonsa Bazaar Committee, representatives of the Nocte Mothers’ Federation, and other key stakeholders—reflecting a growing sense of collective ownership over the town’s cleanliness.
The programme began on a solemn note with the ceremonial lighting of lamp, symbolising hope and a shared commitment to a cleaner future. This was followed by the Swachhata Pledge, where participants, in unison, reaffirmed their dedication to maintaining cleanliness and practising responsible civic behaviour in their daily lives.
What followed was a detailed and meaningful discussion on how to translate intent into action. Participants exchanged ideas on making the campaign more impactful at the grassroots level, with a strong focus on cleanliness drives, waste segregation at source, improved solid waste management, and sustained awareness efforts. Special emphasis was laid on involving market communities, local organisations, and citizens to ensure that the campaign resonates beyond official programmes.
Chairing the meeting, the ADC stressed that cleanliness cannot be achieved through isolated efforts. He called for coordinated action between government departments, community groups, and the public, urging all stakeholders to treat SHS 2026 not merely as a campaign, but as a long-term movement.
He further emphasised that the true success of the initiative would lie in bringing about lasting behavioural change, where cleanliness becomes a habit rather than an occasional activity.
The meeting concluded on a hopeful note, with participants expressing a collective resolve to make SHS 2026 a people-driven movement and to work hand-in-hand towards building a cleaner, greener, and healthier Khonsa—not just for the campaign period, but for the future.(With inputs from DIPROs)