The Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched Special Campaign 6.0 on October 2, 2026, with extensive cleanliness, sanitation and awareness activities across ICAR institutes and establishments throughout the country. The campaign aims to strengthen the culture of cleanliness, encourage public participation and promote sustainable practices in institutional and community spaces.
The campaign commenced with cleanliness drives at the National Agricultural Science Complex (NASC), Pusa, New Delhi, where officials from ICAR Headquarters actively participated in Shramdaan activities. The initiative highlighted the importance of maintaining clean and hygienic workplaces while encouraging collective responsibility for sanitation and environmental management.
Across the country, ICAR institutes organised a wide range of activities under Special Campaign 6.0. These included cleanliness drives, Shramdaan programmes, awareness campaigns, Swachhata Sabhas and special Gram Sabhas. Activities were conducted not only within institutional premises but also in villages, roads, pathways and other public areas.
Plogging drives were organised to remove litter and unwanted waste from public and institutional spaces. Several cleaned areas were subsequently beautified through plantation and greening activities under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative. Dustbins were installed at identified locations to encourage proper waste disposal and strengthen community participation in maintaining clean surroundings.
The campaign also recognised the contribution of Safai Mitras, sanitation workers and volunteers who play an important role in maintaining hygienic environments. Institutes also focused on transforming cleaned spaces, supported by before-and-after photographic documentation. Sustainable waste-management practices, including vermicomposting of water hyacinth, systematic weeding and proper review and disposal of old records, were also promoted.
A notable programme was organised at ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR–CCARI), Goa, where Safai Mitras were felicitated during a special Shramik Samman programme. Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan honoured Safai Mitras with shawls, bouquets and gifts in recognition of their dedicated services. Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant appreciated the participation and efforts of ICAR–CCARI under Swachhata Hi Seva 2026. Union Minister of State Shri Shripad Yesso Naik and Rajya Sabha Member Shri Sadanand Shet Tanawade also attended the programme.
At ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi, Swachh Bharat Diwas was observed under the theme “Swachhta Mein Sahbhag – Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat.” Cleanliness activities were organised across the institute, while a floral tribute was paid to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary.
Secretary DARE and Director General ICAR Dr. Mangi Lal Jat appreciated the cleanliness initiatives and stressed that Swachhata should become a year-round practice. He called for team-based cleanliness activities and underlined the importance of a positive workplace environment for employee well-being and scientific progress. He also highlighted team building, mentoring of future scientific leaders and the holistic development of students. Winners of a painting competition organised by the Post Graduate School Students’ Union were also felicitated.
At ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad, programmes included a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and the felicitation of Safai Mitras. ICAR–CAFRI, Jhansi, also observed Swachh Bharat Diwas with activities focused on sanitation, waste management, Shramdaan and community participation.
At ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute in Sri Vijaya Puram, staff members undertook a cleanliness and plantation drive behind the ATIC building and near old Type III and IV quarters. Around 55 West Indian Cherry plants were planted, while the surrounding area was cleaned. A total of 85 staff members participated actively in the programme.
Through these initiatives, Special Campaign 6.0 is strengthening cleanliness practices across ICAR institutions while linking sanitation with environmental sustainability, community participation and responsible resource management. The campaign also reinforces the principle that sustained cleanliness requires collective participation and continuous commitment beyond individual cleanliness drives.
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Author: Shivam
Proficient Writer Contact: [email protected]
