Culture ministry marks Swachhta Pakhwada with nationwide cleanliness, awareness drive
Activities span heritage sites, museums and public spaces; focus on behavioural change, sustainability and citizen participation
As part of the initiative, organisations under the ministry have launched multiple programmes including cleanliness drives, awareness campaigns and community engagement activities across heritage sites, museums and institutional campuses.
New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Culture is observing Swachhta Pakhwada from April 16 to 30, undertaking a series of nationwide cleanliness and awareness activities aligned with the Swachh Bharat Mission.
As part of the initiative, organisations under the ministry have launched multiple programmes including cleanliness drives, awareness campaigns and community engagement activities across heritage sites, museums and institutional campuses.
Officials and staff participated in a Swachhta Pledge, highlighting individual and collective responsibility towards maintaining cleanliness. The ministry also organised quiz competitions and discussions to promote awareness on sanitation and sustainable practices.
Key institutions such as the National Library of India and the National Council of Science Museums have initiated activities including essay writing competitions, rallies, painting contests and cleanliness drives, with a focus on encouraging behavioural change and public participation.
The ministry has outlined a broad set of activities during the Pakhwada, including large-scale shramdaan drives, Swachhta rallies, pad yatras, walkathons and plogging initiatives. Cultural programmes such as street plays and awareness campaigns are also being conducted to spread the message of cleanliness.
Workshops on “waste to wealth” and “waste to art” are being organised to promote recycling and sustainable practices, along with plantation drives under initiatives such as “Ek Paudha Maa Ke Naam”.
Special efforts include cleaning of water bodies, beach cleaning drives and maintenance of public amenities, including public toilets. Campaigns are also being conducted to reduce single-use plastics and encourage eco-friendly practices.
Institutions including Victoria Memorial Hall, Indian Museum, Salar Jung Museum, National School of Drama and various zonal cultural centres are actively participating in the initiative.
The ministry said the campaign aims to strengthen not only physical cleanliness but also a sustained culture of responsibility and collective action in preserving India’s cultural and environmental heritage.
