76th Republic Day: HUDD launches ‘Swachhtantra’ campaign in 80 ULBs of J&K

Jammu : The Housing and Urban Development Department organised multiple events under “Swachhtantra” campaign launched in all 80 Urban Local Bodies of Jammu and Kashmir as part of 76th Republic Day of Jammu & Kashmir.
A defining moment of this year’s celebration was the collective action witnessed through ‘Swachhtantra’ campaign; an inspiring Jan Andolan (people’s movement) for cleanliness. Over 2 lakh citizens came together and pledged to remain steadfast in their commitment towards a cleaner and greener environment.
‘Swachhtantra’, an innovative campaign aimed to foster a community driven approach towards cleanliness, as a lead up to the Republic Day festivities, was launched by the Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UDD) from 21st to 26th January, 2025. The initiative has brought together individuals, community groups, volunteers, Swachhata ambassadors, influencers, students and officials in a shared mission to enhance urban sanitation and create a cleaner environment for the Day of Sovereignty.
The participants, while partaking in various sanitation activities, pledged to uphold cleanliness as a personal and societal responsibility. They vowed to voluntarily contribute towards cleanliness efforts and inspire others to join the mission for creating a sustainable and hygienic environment.
The campaign featured a diverse range of events aimed at fostering awareness and action for sanitation and cleanliness. Swachhata activities like ‘Swachhata Mein Ekta’ – Celebrating Unity in Cleanliness; Nukkad Natak- “Chhote Kadam, Bade Parivartan”; Pure Waters Pure Future; Sanitation for Safe Healing in health institutions; Social Interventions by Citizens; ‘Plogging’-Run for a Swachh J&K; painting competition; quiz competitions and ‘Grow Green, Breathe Clean’-Plantation drives, were organised across all 80 Urban Local Bodies of the J&K.
During the campaign, over 950 different sanitation and cleanliness activities have been carried out in which the citizens participated with great fervour and enthusiasm. More than 3, 50,000 people from urban areas participated in different sanitation activities undertaken by the 80 Urban Local Bodies.
Commissioner Secretary H&UDD, Mandeep Kaur, who spearheaded the campaign, said “Swachhtantra campaign not only enhanced the spirit of Republic Day but also reinforced the vision of Swachh Bharat Mission, celebrating the ideals of sovereignty, unity and civic responsibility through the lens of cleanliness”.