The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has launched various activities as part of the ‘Suchhata Hi Seva’ (SHS) campaign to promote cleanliness and encourage community involvement. The nationwide campaign launched by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is being observed from September 15 to October 2, 2023.
The main objective of the annual SHS campaign is to encourage voluntary participation and community involvement, this year’s theme is ‘Garbage Free India’. The campaign lays great emphasis on the spirit of volunteering and sharmadan (voluntary labour), which aims to unite people from different backgrounds in the quest for a clean and healthy environment.
To maximize the participation of citizens across the country, several nationwide activities and events have been planned, including the notable “One Date – One Hour” event scheduled for October 1 at 10 am. The purpose of this event is to bring together people from different communities to dedicate an hour to cleanliness. Participants will actively engage in cleaning activities, develop a sense of unity and share responsibility for a clean environment. To mark their contribution, citizens can take pictures during these events and upload them on “Suchhata Hi Seva – Citizen Portal”.
The department’s commitment to cleanliness is reflected in periodic inspection of the premises of Krishi Bhawan with the Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Addl. Secretary and Joint Secretary (Administration). This proactive approach underscores the department’s commitment to creating a healthy and effective work environment for all.
In addition to these efforts, the department has strategically placed information stands at prominent locations within Krishi Bhawan to encourage both staff and visitors to actively participate in the cleanliness drive. Initial activities undertaken by the department included thorough cleaning of the vertical garden at the entrance and deep cleaning of the corridors and rooms inside Krishi Bhawan. In particular, department personnel actively participated in these cleaning processes by taking personal responsibility for cleaning their respective workstations.
The department also ensured that all departmental vehicles were thoroughly cleaned. To improve the office environment, after removing the old, discarded furniture, plants are being planted in the corridors of Krishi Bhavan. The department is also pursuing initiatives to reduce waste in innovative ways. To minimize paper wastage, instructions have been issued to utilize scanning facilities for physical files, making them accessible through the General Administration Section.
By October 4, 2023, the department will actively share informative and engaging content on its social media platforms. This content will include updates on ongoing departmental activities related to Sachha Seva campaign. Additionally, it will cover various themes related to the campaign, with a special focus on millets under the theme ‘Suchta Bhi Swathiya Bhi’. Sorghum, being an ancient grain with multiple health benefits and a low carbon footprint, has gained the support of more than 70 countries, leading the United Nations General Assembly to celebrate 2023 as the International Year of Sorghum. announced.
Subordinate offices and directorates have been directed to upload data related to their campaign activities on the portal developed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. Various directorates have planned a number of activities at high-traffic areas to promote the cleanliness drive on a large scale. For example, the Directorate of Sugarcane Development is expanding the walking track at Takona Park in Sector B, Aliganj, Lucknow.
The Directorate of Oilseeds Development plans to clear debris and bushes in oilseed residential properties, while the Directorate of Pulses Development will conduct a clean-up and sanitation drive on October 1 under “Suchchta Hi Seva”.
First Published: 25 September 2023, 21:48 IST