Mega Cleanliness Drive: As part of the “Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” initiative, more than 300 employees of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare will participate in a cleaning drive at the SFAC building in Hauz Khas.
“Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” is one of the pivotal events of this year’s ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ (SHS)’ campaign, motivating citizens from across the nation to volunteer one hour towards cleanliness, at 10 a.m., on 1st October 2023.
The ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ (SHS) campaign is being celebrated from 15th September to 2nd October 2023. With the core objective of encouraging voluntary participation and community engagement, the theme ‘Garbage Free India,’ the spirit of voluntarism or ‘shramdaan’ will remain at the forefront of the activities planned at high footfall places of the nation. The nationwide activities are strategically planned in public places such as institutes, schools, markets, and parks to ensure that these events are citizen-friendly and invite maximum participation.
Calling it a collective ‘swachhanjali’ (homage) to Bapu (Mahatma Gandhi)’ on the eve of his Jayanti, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi urged citizens to ‘take out time and help in this campaign’, People can also ‘join this cleanliness campaign in their street, or neighbourhood park, river, lake or any other public place’, he added.
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, along with its various subordinate offices, has taken an active approach in organizing over 250 events nationwide on 1st October, with an expected turnout of over 7,000 citizens, in line with the ‘Jan Andolan’ movement of the initiative. Additionally, the Krishi Bhavan’s corridors will also be adorned with newly potted plants.
Furthermore, on the 2nd October, a drawing competition for the children of DA&FW employees is scheduled as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, which will help spread the importance of cleanliness among young participants. Additionally, the organized rally with employees will enhance visibility of the campaign and promote awareness among the general public about their responsibilities.
A comprehensive social media campaign is also planned for ‘Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath.’ This campaign will entail real-time updates through photo collages, video bytes, and reels, accompanied with tagging of all relevant Ministries to ensure wide amplification. The official social media platform captured various activities by the department and the subordinate directorates, ranging from routine cleanliness reviews led by Secretary DA&FW, Shri Manoj Ahuja and officials to the thorough cleaning of departmental premises, vehicles, and canteens.
Additionally, activities by the Central Institute of Horticulture, Nagaland the Directorate of Extension, MANAGE etc., towards Swachhata Hi Seva campaign have also been promoted on Ministry’s social media handles. In alignment with the celebration of the International Year of Millets, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare is also promoting the pivotal role of millets in ensuring a clean and sustainable environment and their role in preventing soil contamination, as part of the social media campaign.
