Jammu: In a significant stride towards enhancing urban sanitation in all 80 Urban Local Bodies of J&K creating a clean environment for celebrations of 76th Republic Day, the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD) has began a series of Swachhta (cleanliness) activities from 21st to 24th January 2025 with a central theme “Swachhtantra – Gantantra Ki Shaan, Swachhta Se Bane Mahaan” under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, 2.0.
The ambitious cleanliness initiative was launched here on Tuesday by Commissioner Secretary Housing & Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur.
Speaking during the launch, the Commissioner Secretary detailed the objectives of the cleanliness initiative. She said that the campaign has been designed to promote cleanliness as a fundamental aspect of development, engage citizens of J&K in community based Swachhta initiatives (Jan Andolan) and utilise Republic Day as a platform to unite citizens in the shared pursuit of a healthier, cleaner Jammu & Kashmir. She advised the Executive Officers of all the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to implement the cleanliness campaign in their respective ULBs as per the calendar of activities in letter and spirit.
Giving details about the Swachhata initiative, Dr. Devansh Yadav, Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban 2.0 J&K, said that while the Nation is celebrating 76th Republic Day, it is imperative to make our ULBs Swachh and garbage free. He said that different activities have been scheduled to create a Jan Andolan. These included community cleanliness drives with emphasis on water bodies, Plog Run, clearing of garbage hot spots, street plays, open painting and quiz competitions, special sanitation drives in health institutions, school engagement programs and intensive digital campaigns.
He advised the ULBs to involve people from different walks of life especially Swachhata ambassadors, influencers, NSS volunteers and senior citizens in these activities for building a cleaner, healthier Jammu & Kashmir. He also asked the ULBs to promote “My Place, My Responsibility” campaign, encouraging individuals to take ownership of their surroundings and contribute towards maintaining cleanliness and hygiene.
To further encourage engagement of public especially youth, a Painting Competition with the theme “Importance of Segregation” is also scheduled to be held as part of the campaign. The painting competition will be open to all age groups and will invite the participants to showcase their creativity and commitment to a cleaner, greener Jammu & Kashmir. Cash prizes of Rs 1.00 lakh, Rs 0.50 lakh and Rs 0.25 lakh will be given for best three paintings respectively.
During this campaign, ULBs will leverage social media platforms under the hashtags #CleanRepublicDay and #SwachhJK to promote cleanliness initiatives, sharing impactful messages, photos and videos to encourage public participation.
Requesting the public to participate, the Mission Director said, “This Republic Day, let us unite to celebrate our progress as a Swachh J&K by reaffirming our commitment to cleanliness and sustainability”.
Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Owais Ahmad; Director, Urban Local Bodies, Jammu, Manisha Sarin; Director Local Bodies, Kashmir, Akramullah Tak; CEOs/EOs of all Urban Local Bodies of J&K and experts from the Project Management Unit of H&UDD were present during the launch of the campaign.
