Swachhata Hi Seva launched in Nagaland

KOHIMA, SEP 17 (NPN): The state-level launching programme of Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 was held at the Directorate of Urban Development, Kohima, on September 17. The campaign was formally launched by Commissioner & Secretary, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department, Kekhrievor Kevichusa.
In his address, Kevichusa acknowledged the challenges of waste management, noting that it often becomes a losing effort. He stressed that success could be achieved when all stakeholders, departments and communities work collectively. He highlighted the importance of acceptance, shared responsibility, and innovative ideas to improve sanitation and cleanliness. Kevichusa also led the Swachhata Pledge, which was taken by all present.
The theme for SHS 2026, “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag; Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat,” underscores collective participation and shared responsibility in advancing the vision of a clean and developed nation. Activities under the campaign will focus on five pillars: Cleanliness Target Units and public places; Swachh Pathshala and youth engagement; Safai Mitra Suraksha Seva and respect for sanitation workers; Jan Bhaagidari or people’s participation; and Swachhata Se Samriddhi.
The programme was chaired by Director, Urban Development Department, Tarachu Fithu, who explained that the SHS 2026 launch was jointly organised by SM(U), Urban Development and SBM-Grameen, PHED. He reminded that October 2 is observed as Swachh Bharat Diwas in tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, and the fortnight-long SHS campaign, observed annually since 2017, serves as a prelude to the occasion by mobilising citizen action for a Clean India.
Fithu emphasised that active involvement of line departments was crucial for the campaign’s success, as sanitation requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. To ensure coordination, a State Level Coordination Committee (SLCC) was constituted on September 16 by the Chief Secretary, comprising members from Urban Development, PHED, Forest & Environment, Health & Family Welfare, Tourism, School Education, Higher & Technical Education, IPR, Rural Development, Municipal Affairs, NCB, NGOs, civil society organisations and State and Central Missions.
The SHS campaign will run across Nagaland from September 17 to October 2.