Why in news?
On 1 October 2025 the government urged every citizen to devote one hour to cleaning public spaces under the “Ek Din Ek Ghanta Ek Saath” campaign. This voluntary drive, part of the Swachhata Hi Seva fortnight leading up to Gandhi Jayanti, aimed to transform sanitation into a people’s movement.
Background
The Swachh Bharat Mission, launched in 2014, sought to end open defecation and improve waste management. Over the years, campaigns like Swachhata Pakhwada and Shramdaan mobilised millions to clean their communities. Swachhata Hi Seva is an annual call to service where citizens contribute time and energy to public cleanliness.
Key features of the 2025 initiative
- Mass participation: Individuals, schools, government employees, self‑help groups, resident welfare associations and corporate volunteers were encouraged to clean parks, streets, waterbodies and workplaces for at least one hour.
- Targeted drives: Efforts focused on removing waste dumps, cleaning tourist spots, markets and bus stands, and encouraging waste segregation at source.
- Inclusivity: The campaign welcomed all sections of society, including faith leaders, NGOs and celebrities, to inspire wider engagement.
- Sustainability: Participants were urged to make festivals and events zero‑waste by using reusable decorations and avoiding single‑use plastics.
- Digital engagement: People were invited to share photos and stories on social media with dedicated hashtags, building momentum and accountability.
Significance
- The drive reinforces that cleanliness is a shared responsibility rather than solely a municipal duty.
- Collective action fosters civic pride and strengthens community bonds.
- Public awareness of waste segregation, recycling and composting improves environmental outcomes.
- The participatory model can be replicated for other initiatives such as water conservation and tree plantation.
Way forward
- Local governments should ensure regular waste collection and scientific disposal to maintain hygiene beyond one‑day events.
- Educational institutions can integrate cleanliness activities into curricula and appoint students as “Swachhata Ambassadors.”
- Businesses can adopt public spaces, invest in sanitation infrastructure and promote sustainable consumption among employees.
- Citizens must reduce plastic usage, practise recycling and encourage neighbours to adopt eco‑friendly habits, turning one‑off drives into lasting cleanliness.