223/2024-2025

AIZAWL; the 17th September,2024: The UD&PA and PHE Department jointly organised the Launching programme of state Level Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS),2024 at the Auditorium of Mizoram Youth Commission (MYC), MINECO and mass cleaning drive here in Aizawl. Pu K.Sapdanga attended the programme as Chief guest and launched the SHS,2024 campaign and participated in mass cleaning drive as well. The campaign will run for two weeks, from 17th September to 2nd October and this year’s SHS theme focuses on Swabhav Swachhata (Innate Cleanliness), Sanskaar Swachhata (Cleanliness of thought, Value and culture)

In his launching speech, Minister Pu Sapdanga emphasized the need for collective responsibility and stricter enforcement to maintain cleanliness. He noted that Mizos' habit of littering, due to living in hilly areas with ample space, has made cleanliness a challenging habit to adopt. Despite the Young Mizo Association (YMA) initiating cleanliness drives 35 years ago, with over 300,000 active members across Mizoram, tangible results have been elusive. Minister Sapdanga stressed that education alone is insufficient and must be combined with strict enforcement.

Sharing his experience of visiting Singapore in 2010, he recalled being cautioned by a Tourism Officer against littering, with severe penalties, including a ₹3,500 fine for throwing cigarette butts. He emphasized that countries with strict laws maintain cleanliness effectively. Minister Sapdanga urged individuals, organizations, and departments to work together to achieve perpetual cleanliness, making it a habit beyond specific events.

Today's launch meeting was chaired by Pu Lalmalsawma Pachuau, Secretary, UD&PA, and Convener, State Steering Committee. Dr. Andrew H. Vanlaldika presented a report on the campaign's progress since 2017 and plans for 2024. Er. H. Duhkima administered the Swachhta Shapath Pledge to the gathering audiences.

After the opening ceremony, Cleanliness Shramdaan (Cleanliness Workshop) was held. The participants were divided into three groups. UD&PA and PHED staff, Maubawk Branch YMA and Save the Riparian members participated in the cleanliness drive.

The Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS). During this period, a cleanliness and hygiene campaign will be conducted nationwide in Mizoram. Large-scale cleanliness campaign will be conducted in district towns, notified towns and rural villages in Mizoram.

State Steering Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary and District Steering Committee chaired by Deputy Commissioners have been formed in each district.Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2024 will close on October 2, 2024, which will be celebrated as Swachhata Diwas.

AMC officials, MYC officials and State Steering Committee officials were present at the inauguration programme mass cleaning drive.