 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Sept 17: The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) today launched the 'Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026' campaign at Padma Shri Padma Sachdev Government College for Women (PSPS GCW), Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, ushering in a fortnight of intensified cleanliness drives, citizen participation and awareness activities across the city.
Being organised under the national theme "Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat" and the local call to action "Collective Action for Visible Impact," the campaign will continue up to October 2, Swachh Bharat Diwas, with a focus on community participation, behavioural change and visible improvement of public spaces.
The campaign was formally inaugurated by Dr. Devansh Yadav, Commissioner, JMC, with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp in the presence of Prof. (Dr.) Kulvinder Kour, Principal, PSPS GCW, Joint Commissioner (Health & Sanitation), Health Officer, senior sanitation officers, faculty members and a large gathering of students.
The inaugural programme featured a blend of awareness, technical and cultural activities designed to sensitise and engage young citizens in urban cleanliness. A documentary showcasing JMC's solid waste management initiatives and field operations across Jammu city was screened, followed by a technical presentation on the key provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, with emphasis on four-way source segregation at household and institutional levels.
Students further conveyed the message of cleanliness and civic responsibility through a Nukkad Natak highlighting behavioural change, responsible waste disposal and the importance of litter-free surroundings. A thematic dance performance focusing on ecological harmony and civic responsibility also formed part of the programme.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 Activity Calendar by Dr. Devansh Yadav. The calendar outlines a series of targeted interventions and citizen-centric activities to be undertaken across Jammu during the fortnight.
As part of the campaign, JMC will undertake focused interventions for the transformation and beautification of identified Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) and Garbage Vulnerable Points (GVPs). The campaign will also include cleanliness drives at public places, Sports for Swachhata activities incorporating zero-waste practices, post-event clean-up drives, dedicated SafaiMitra Suraksha Camps, and special sanitation initiatives at heritage and pilgrimage sites in connection with World Tourism Day on September 27.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Devansh Yadav appreciated the college administration and students for their enthusiastic participation and stressed that sustainable improvements in urban cleanliness can be achieved only through collective responsibility, behavioural change and sustained public participation.
He called upon citizens, particularly the youth, to become active partners in JMC's cleanliness initiatives by practising responsible waste management, ensuring proper source segregation and refraining from littering. He urged the students to become "Ambassadors of Cleanliness", take ownership of their surroundings and inspire others to adopt responsible civic practices.
The programme concluded with officers, faculty members and students taking the Swachhata Pledge, reaffirming their commitment to a clean, green and garbage-free Jammu. |
