India gears up for Swachhata Hi Seva 2025, a 15-day national push aiming for cleaner surroundings and stronger sanitation habits. From 17 September to 2 October, just ahead of Gandhi Jayanti, people across the country will pitch in to clean up dark spots, reduce plastic waste, and make the festive season greener.
The campaign, led by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), invites everyone citizens, schools, institutions to join. The focus is on transforming Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs), places like garbage dumps, railway stations, back lanes and neglected public areas.
Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil, points out that over 12 crore toilets have now been built in India, bringing down open defecation and improving safety and dignity for women. A World Health Organisation report is cited, estimating nearly 3 lakh child lives saved through reduced disease linked to open defecation.
This year, the theme is “Swachhotsav,” blending community action and festival spirit. With multiple important dates, Prime Minister’s birthday on 17 September, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s birth anniversary on 25 September, followed by Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri on 2 October, the drive is designed to build energy and involvement.
UNDER SHS 2025, SEVERAL PROGRAMMES WILL RUN IN PARALLEL:
SafaiMitra suraksha fund: Rs 8-10 crore fund for Surat including Navsari, providing welfare, free education support, and interest-free loans to families of sanitation workers.
Push for plastic-free villages and cutting down single-use plastic across India.
On 25 September, citizens will join a one-hour nationwide cleanup to mark Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s birth anniversary.
Preparations are already underway. States, Union Territories and local bodies held coordination meetings. Cleanliness committees have identified target zones that need urgent attention. Authorities aim to continue work even after the 15-day campaign to keep visible cleanliness in place.
If you live in India, you can take part too. Join your local community, attend cleanup drives, avoid littering, support plastic-free efforts, and help maintain toilets. Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 is about visible change, simple habits, and creating public spaces that feel proud and clean.
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