Chandigarh/SAS Nagar: The Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS)–2026 campaign was launched today from the Head Office of the Department of Water Supply & Sanitation (DWSS), SAS Nagar, in the presence of Dr. Syed Sehrish Ali Asgar, Mission Director, SBM (G). The fortnight-long campaign will be observed across Punjab from September 17 to October 2, 2026 with a special focus on strengthening cleanliness and sanitation efforts in rural areas through active participation of rural communities.
With its strong rural focus, the campaign aims to deepen community ownership of cleanliness and sanitation. A range of activities will be organised across villages and rural institutions to promote source segregation, proper collection and management of solid and plastic waste, reduction of littering, reuse and recycling, cleanliness of public spaces and regular upkeep of sanitation assets.
As part of the launch programme, Ms. Hritika Ahuja, Project Assistant, SWM/SBMU, PMIDC, organised a technical awareness session for officers and staff. The resource person from PMIDC delivered the lecture on sanitation and waste management with emphasis on systematic waste handling, source segregation and community participation.
The campaign will also encourage rural youth, women, Self-Help Groups, school students, community volunteers, elected representatives and other local stakeholders to become active participants in village cleanliness activities. Particular attention will be given to sustaining cleanliness after each drive so that the campaign translates into regular practices and lasting behavioural change rather than remaining limited to one-time interventions, she further added.
