Swachh Gaon, Surakshit Jalvayu Campaign Concludes Successfully Across J&K with Massive Public Participation

Over 3,100 Gram Panchayats Participate in SWM Rules Sensitization; More Than 1.56 Lakh Citizens Engage in Sanitation and Climate Action Activities

Srinagar: The five-day "Swachh Gaon, Surakshit Jalvayu" campaign, organized by the Directorate of Rural Sanitation under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Jammu & Kashmir, concluded successfully across all districts of the Union Territory with overwhelming public participation and extensive grassroots engagement.

The campaign, aimed at strengthening rural sanitation systems, promoting scientific solid waste management, and encouraging community-led environmental action, witnessed the active involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), government officials, sanitation workers, community members, youth groups, and other stakeholders.

On Day 1, workshops on sensitization of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026 were conducted across 3,153 Gram Panchayats, attended by 14,773 participants, including 2,752 Lead Facilitators, laying the foundation for informed implementation of waste management practices at the village level.

On Day 2, field visits were conducted in 1,978 Gram Panchayats, involving 14,103 PRI representatives and community members. During these visits, 3,580 sanitation and waste management assets were found functional, while 226 assets were identified as non-functional, enabling local authorities to assess operational gaps and plan corrective measures.

On Day 3, consultation meetings were organized in 2,549 Gram Panchayats, drawing participation from 20,590 stakeholders. A total of 437 Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs) participated in the consultations, while 1,066 BWGs were identified and listed for future engagement and compliance under SWM Rules.

On Day 4, awareness generation activities were conducted in 1,630 Gram Panchayats, with 1,728 programmes reaching 25,883 participants. Simultaneously, cleanliness drives were carried out in 2,038 Gram Panchayats covering 3,511 sites, where 33,283 citizens actively joined efforts to improve village sanitation and environmental cleanliness.

On Day 5, Special Gram Sabhas were organized in 2,314 Gram Panchayats, witnessing the participation of 48,082 people who deliberated on sanitation, waste management, environmental sustainability, and community responsibilities. The day also featured the plantation drive "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam", during which 7,320 saplings were planted across rural areas of Jammu & Kashmir.

Officials of the Directorate of Rural Sanitation described the campaign as a significant step towards strengthening community ownership of sanitation infrastructure, promoting sustainable waste management practices, and fostering climate-conscious behaviour in rural areas. The campaign also helped reinforce awareness regarding the provisions of the SWM Rules, 2026, while encouraging greater public participation in maintaining clean, healthy, and environmentally sustainable villages.

The Directorate expressed gratitude to all District Administrations, Panchayati Raj Institutions, field functionaries, community-based organizations, volunteers, and citizens whose active participation contributed to the successful implementation of the campaign across the Union Territory.