Around 500 Participants Join Swachhta Hi Seva Campaign in Delhi; Hospitality and Tourism Institutes Participate in Heritage Conservation Awareness Initiative

The Ministry of Tourism organised a cleanliness drive at Hauz Khas Fort in New Delhi on 1 October 2026, bringing together around 500 participants under the nationwide Swachhta Hi Seva campaign. Conducted as part of the “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” shramdaan initiative, the programme aimed to promote public participation in cleanliness and strengthen awareness about maintaining India’s heritage and tourist destinations.

The drive was led by Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, alongside ministry officials, students and faculty members from hospitality and tourism management institutions.

The initiative highlights the role of cleanliness in destination management, heritage preservation and visitor experience, with direct relevance for India’s hospitality and tourism industry.

Key Highlights

• Around 500 participants joined the cleanliness drive at Hauz Khas Fort, New Delhi.
• Swachhta Hi Seva campaign: The initiative was conducted under the nationwide Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath shramdaan programme.
• Hospitality institute participation: Students and faculty from IHM Pusa, Indian Culinary Institute Noida, NCHMCT, IITTM Noida and Ashok IHM participated.
• Tourism awareness: Activities promoted hygiene, civic responsibility and cleanliness at heritage destinations.
• Student-led outreach: IHM Pusa students presented a short play encouraging everyday cleanliness practices.
• Earlier initiatives: The Ministry felicitated Safai Mitras on 23 September and organised a cleanliness drive at Safdarjung Tomb on 27 September 2026.

Hospitality and Tourism Institutes Join Heritage Cleanliness Initiative

The participation of hospitality and tourism education institutions was a key feature of the Hauz Khas Fort drive. Representatives from the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Pusa; Indian Culinary Institute (ICI), Noida; National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT); Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Noida; and Ashok Institute of Hotel Management joined the initiative.

Students of IHM Pusa also presented a short play highlighting the importance of making cleanliness part of everyday life.

The programme sought to encourage future hospitality and tourism professionals to view cleanliness as an essential part of responsible destination management, rather than an activity limited to designated campaigns.

Ministry Continues Cleanliness Efforts at Heritage Sites

The Hauz Khas Fort initiative followed other cleanliness-related activities organised by the Ministry of Tourism during September.

On 23 September 2026, the Ministry held a felicitation programme recognising Safai Mitras for their contribution to sanitation and cleanliness. On 27 September, coinciding with World Tourism Day, it organised a cleanliness drive at Safdarjung Tomb in New Delhi.

Together, these initiatives underline the Ministry’s emphasis on public participation, sanitation-worker recognition and the upkeep of tourism sites.

Impact on Hospitality, Travel and Tourism

1. Cleaner Heritage Sites Can Improve Visitor Experience

Heritage attractions such as Hauz Khas Fort are important components of Delhi’s tourism offering. Clean surroundings and well-maintained visitor areas can make destinations more welcoming and support a positive experience for domestic and international tourists.

2. Greater Responsibility for Destination Management

The campaign highlights the importance of collaboration among tourism authorities, local communities, educational institutions and site-management teams. Regular cleanliness initiatives can complement ongoing maintenance and conservation efforts at heritage attractions.

3. Hospitality Education Extends Beyond Hotel Operations

Participation by hotel management and tourism institutes demonstrates how students can engage with civic responsibility and destination sustainability alongside their professional education. Such exposure can help reinforce the importance of hygiene, environmental awareness and responsible tourism practices.

4. Sanitation Workers Remain Central to Tourism Infrastructure

The Ministry’s recognition of Safai Mitras acknowledges the people responsible for maintaining clean public spaces. Their contribution is essential to the upkeep of tourist attractions, public facilities and other high-footfall locations.

5. Responsible Tourism Requires Continued Action

One-day cleanliness drives can raise awareness, but lasting improvements depend on regular maintenance, appropriate waste-disposal facilities and responsible visitor behaviour. Tourism operators and hospitality businesses can support these goals through employee engagement, visitor awareness and community partnerships.

Industry Takeaway

The Ministry of Tourism’s cleanliness drive at Hauz Khas Fort reinforces the connection between clean heritage destinations, responsible tourism and visitor satisfaction.

For India’s hospitality and tourism sector, the initiative serves as a reminder that destination cleanliness is a shared responsibility involving tourism authorities, hospitality institutions, sanitation workers, local communities and visitors. Sustained efforts to maintain public spaces can strengthen the overall appeal of India’s cultural and heritage tourism offerings.