Chandigarh, September 17:The Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign was launched in Chandigarh today by the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, at Rani Laxmi Bai Mahila Bhawan, Sector 38-C, with a call for collective public participation to make Chandigarh cleaner, healthier and more sustainable. On the occasion, the Administrator administered the Swachhata Pledge, which was also taken by participating officials and citizens, reaffirming their collective commitment to cleanliness, responsible waste management and a cleaner and healthier Chandigarh.

The month-long campaign will be observed from September 17 to October 17, 2026, under the theme “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag - Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat.”

The Administrator was accompanied by Mayor Chandigarh Sh. Saurabh Joshi, Home Secretary-cum-Secretary Local Government Sh. Mandip Singh Brar, IAS, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, Special Commissioner Sh. Harpreet Singh Sudan, IAS, Area Councillor Sh. Yogesh Dhingra
Also present during the launch event were senior officials and representatives of various stakeholder organisations.

Addressing the gathering, Administrator said that Swachhata Hi Seva is not merely a cleanliness campaign but an initiative to bring about a positive change in people’s habits, thinking and lifestyle. He called upon citizens to consider cleanliness a shared responsibility and actively contribute towards keeping their homes, neighbourhoods, markets, parks and public spaces clean.

The Administrator emphasised waste segregation, reduction, reuse and recycling, urging citizens to follow the principle of “My Waste, My Responsibility.” He also underlined the importance of ensuring the safety, health and dignity of Safai Mitras, recognising their vital contribution to keeping the city clean.

He said the campaign would focus on Swachhata Se Samriddhi, safety and dignity of Safai Mitras, public participation, Swachh Pathshala, youth engagement and cleaner public spaces. Special cleanliness and awareness activities will be conducted at markets, parks, schools, public toilets, tourist destinations, bus stands, railway stations, water bodies and other public locations.

The Administrator also called upon citizens to participate in the “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” collective shramdaan programme on October 1 and actively participate in Swachh Bharat Diwas activities on October 2.

Technology to Strengthen Monitoring and Accountability

As part of the campaign, the Administrator launched technology-driven initiatives aimed at strengthening real-time monitoring, transparency and accountability in sanitation services and public grievance management.

Through the CTU Monitoring App, officials will digitally record the location, time and photographs of inspections and sanitation-related activities at the site. The system will also facilitate Before-and-After photographic documentation, enabling authorities to digitally monitor cleanliness status and verify completion of works.

The News Tracking & Issue Monitoring System will facilitate systematic monitoring of genuine public issues highlighted through newspapers. Such issues will be forwarded to the concerned officials, followed up within a defined timeframe and reported upon for appropriate action. Pending cases or unsatisfactory action can be re-flagged for further action and follow-up, thereby reducing paperwork and strengthening transparency and accountability.

The Administrator highlighted the role of technology in improving sanitation services through GPS tracking, digital monitoring and citizen feedback mechanisms, which can strengthen service delivery and accountability.

Mayor Sh. Saurabh Joshi said that cleanliness cannot be achieved by the Municipal Corporation alone and requires the active participation of every citizen. He urged residents to take responsibility for the cleanliness of their surroundings and support the Municipal Corporation’s sanitation and waste-management initiatives.

The Mayor emphasised that Resident Welfare Associations, educational institutions, Self Help Groups, youth organisations, social organisations and community groups can play a significant role in strengthening cleanliness efforts across Chandigarh. He also highlighted the “Vocal for Local” approach and encouraged greater participation of local communities and Self Help Groups in cleanliness, awareness and civic initiatives.

Earlier, MCC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, said that a series of cleanliness drives, awareness programmes and community engagement activities will be organised across Chandigarh throughout the campaign. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts by municipal officials, field staff, community organisations, institutions and citizens to achieve sustainable improvements in sanitation and cleanliness.

The Municipal Corporation will also undertake special cleanliness and beautification drives at identified Garbage Vulnerable Points (GVPs) and Swachhata Target Units (STUs). Awareness programmes will be organised in educational institutions, with special emphasis on youth participation and encouraging students to become ambassadors of cleanliness.

The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh appealed to citizens to make cleanliness a part of their daily lifestyle, adopt responsible waste-management practices and actively participate in Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 activities to collectively strengthen the cleanliness and sustainability of the City Beautiful.

Area councillor Sh. Yogesh Dhingra extended vote of thanks to the Chief Guest and other dignitaries including participants of the event.