The Government of India has launched the 2026 edition of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, a nationwide cleanliness and public participation drive that began on September 17. This year, the campaign carries the theme “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag; Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat” and focuses on making cleanliness a shared responsibility.

Unlike a scheme that provides direct financial assistance, Swachhata Hi Seva is a public participation campaign through which citizens, schools, institutions, local bodies and organisations can take part in cleanliness and waste-management activities.

What is Swachhata Hi Seva 2026?

Swachhata Hi Seva has been observed annually since 2017. The 2026 campaign places particular emphasis on citizen participation, youth engagement and long-term cleanliness habits.

The campaign includes activities ranging from cleanliness drives and waste segregation awareness to plantation programmes, recycling initiatives and community events.

What can citizens do under the campaign?

People can participate in several types of activities organised in their communities, including:

• Cleanliness and shramdaan drives

• Waste segregation awareness

• Plantation activities

• Plastic recycling programmes

• “Waste to Wealth” and “Waste to Art” initiatives

• Donation and collection drives for old clothes, books and toys

• Sports and youth-focused cleanliness activities

• Awareness programmes in schools and colleges

The government is also encouraging citizens and participating organisations to share their activities through the campaign’s official digital platforms and hashtags.

Special one-hour cleanliness drive on October 1

One of the key activities planned under Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 is “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath”.

The nationwide shramdaan will take place on October 1, 2026, from 8 AM to 9 AM. Citizens from different sections of society are encouraged to come together and contribute one hour towards cleanliness activities.

What happens on October 2?

October 2 will be observed as Swachh Bharat Diwas. Special Gram Sabhas will be organised in rural areas, while urban areas will hold special council meetings.

These meetings will include discussions on cleanliness outcomes, waste management and implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.

Plantation drives under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative are also planned across cities and villages.

Special focus on children and young people

This year's campaign gives an important role to students and youth. Programmes such as “Swachh Paathshala – Yuva for Swachhata” are intended to encourage young people to develop sustainable habits related to cleanliness and waste management.

Sports activities, awareness programmes, discussions and community events will also be used to involve young people in the campaign.

How can you participate?

Citizens can check activities being organised by their local municipal body, Gram Panchayat, school, college or community organisation. Those interested can participate in local cleanliness drives, plantation programmes, recycling initiatives or other activities conducted as part of Swachhata Hi Seva 2026.

The campaign is particularly relevant for people looking for a simple way to contribute to their neighbourhood without requiring any financial contribution.

Key dates to remember

• September 17, 2026: Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 begins

• October 1, 2026: “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” nationwide shramdaan

• October 2, 2026: Swachh Bharat Diwas and special local-body meetings

• September 27, 2026: Special activities linked to World Tourism Day

With its focus on public participation, waste management and community action, Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 is designed to move beyond one-day cleanliness drives and encourage habits that can continue throughout the year.