Odisha to Observe Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 from September 17 to October 2

Odisha will observe the nationwide Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 campaign from September 17 to October 2, with a focus on cleanliness, sanitation, citizen participation, sanitation workers’ welfare and sustainable urban living.

A meeting on the campaign was held with the Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs. Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee, Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua, Special Secretary-cum-Mission Director, SBM (Urban), Binay Kumar Dash and other senior officials participated through video conference.

Following the meeting, the Housing and Urban Development Department directed all Municipal Commissioners and Executive Officers of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to ensure coordinated and time-bound implementation of the campaign.

Dr. Mahapatra said Odisha is fully prepared to implement the guidelines. He highlighted the State’s plan to light one crore lamps, with participation from households across all districts. He also said rural sanitation activities would involve local communities, while development works related to water bodies would be undertaken by the concerned departments.

The campaign will follow the theme “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat”, encouraging a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach.

The fortnight-long campaign will focus on transforming Cleanliness Target Units and garbage vulnerable points, engaging students and youth, organising SafaiMitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivirs, promoting zero-waste activities and advancing waste-to-art and waste-to-wealth initiatives.

A State-wide “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” Shramdaan drive will be held on October 1, encouraging citizens and stakeholders to participate in cleanliness activities.

The campaign will conclude on October 2 with Swachh Bharat Diwas, with special ULB council meetings planned to review sanitation initiatives and strengthen commitments towards a clean, healthy and sustainable Odisha.