In a massive demonstration of community participation, nearly 2.5 lakh people across Uttarakhand joined the “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” cleanliness drive on Thursday as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva Abhiyan 2025. The campaign was organised simultaneously in towns, villages, schools and offices to spread awareness about hygiene and strengthen the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Our correspondent reports that the programme began at 8 am following directives issued by the Directorate of Urban Development in Dehradun. Activities were carried out in 108 blocks, where participants took a pledge for cleanliness and engaged in voluntary labour to clean schools, public spaces and institutions.
In Haridwar district, a special drive was held at Government Inter College S N Sharma in Sultanpur Patti and the local Primary Health Centre. The programme began with a cleanliness oath administered by the presiding officers. Students, teachers, municipal chairman Rajiv Kumar, executive officer Geeta Chaudhary, councillors, health officer Dr Khalid Younus Noon and his team, self help group members and municipal staff all joined in. Together, they cleaned classrooms, courtyards and community areas.
Our correspondent adds that the event in Haldwani saw record breaking participation. Under the leadership of the Mayor, more than 1,32,400 people took a cleanliness pledge, creating a new benchmark in civic involvement. Schools, government and semi government offices, Suhila Tiwari Hospital, the Open University, Army Cantonment areas and residential wards all witnessed special cleaning efforts. A major drive was carried out along Kaladhungi Road, from the Girls Inter College to Kalu Siddh Temple and OK Hotel.
State officials said the turnout was unprecedented. Participants included students, NSS volunteers, Scouts and Guides, ASHA workers, social organisations, soldiers and local residents. The involvement of such a wide spectrum of society, they said, highlighted the growing public awareness of hygiene and sanitation.
Our correspondent reports that local representatives played an active role in mobilising people for the campaign. In Sultanpur Patti, municipal councillors including Mangal Khan, Shahid Hussain, Zahid Hussain and Dinesh Kumar joined hands with teachers and health officials. Women’s self help groups also participated in large numbers, reinforcing the community spirit of the event.
Our correspondent adds that the campaign was more than symbolic. Roads were swept, drains were cleared, waste was collected and public premises were cleaned in several towns and villages. Officials confirmed that the campaign’s impact was visible not only in urban centres but also in remote rural blocks.
The purpose of the campaign, according to state authorities, was to encourage people to give at least one hour of voluntary labour towards cleanliness. They said that by linking citizens directly with the Swachh Bharat Mission, the state is trying to instil a culture of cleanliness in daily life.
Observers noted that the campaign is also significant in the run up to national cleanliness rankings, where community involvement is a key parameter. The high participation in Uttarakhand could strengthen its position in national assessments.
As the day concluded, officials expressed hope that the momentum generated by the campaign would continue. They said that sustaining public involvement was essential for the long term success of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
