The Swachhata He Seva campaign, running from September 17 to October 2, 2024, is spearheaded by the Department of Youth Affairs, with MY Bharat volunteers taking a central role. Focused on promoting cleanliness and environmental responsibility, the campaign aims to eliminate single-use plastic waste and encourage community action, culminating in a major coastal clean-up on October 2, Swachh Bharat Diwas.
Nationwide Participation with a Strong Start
The campaign was officially launched on September 17, 2024, by Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, kicking off a widespread effort to create a cleaner India. On day one, nearly 2.5 lakh youth volunteers collected over 1.75 lakh kg of single-use plastic from 1,562 villages, showcasing the impact of youth-led environmental stewardship.
Government’s Vision for a Clean Future
Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, emphasized the need for instilling a sense of cleanliness responsibility in India’s youth. He highlighted that the Swachhata He Seva campaign is more than just an initiative—it’s a movement that empowers young people to take charge of their environment. MY Bharat is at the forefront, with its volunteers driving positive change across the nation.
Significant Achievements in the First Few Days
By September 19, 2024, over 8 lakh MY Bharat youth volunteers had removed more than 12 lakh kg of waste from across the country. The campaign has seen the cleaning of more than 7,000 villages, 2,000 community centers, and numerous historical and public spaces, demonstrating the power of collective action.
A Focus on Plastic-Free Public Spaces
The campaign continues with volunteers focusing on single-use plastic removal from key public areas, including bus stations, railway tracks, markets, and heritage sites. Extensive efforts are underway to ensure proper disposal of waste and to raise public awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability.
October 2: A Landmark Clean-Up
The 15-day campaign will conclude with a large-scale beach and coastal clean-up on October 2, 2024. Volunteers will focus on removing plastic waste from coastal areas, contributing to the broader goal of eliminating single-use plastics and promoting eco-friendly practices across the country.
Community Engagement Through MY Bharat Portal
MY Bharat has launched an interactive platform where volunteers can share images and videos of their efforts, fostering a spirit of community participation. Through this initiative, the campaign aims to inspire others to join in the nationwide drive toward a cleaner, greener India.
