Nationwide Cleanliness Drives Across ICAR Institutes Focus on Sanitation, Greening, Vermicomposting and Community Participation; Shivraj Singh Chouhan Felicitates Sanitation Workers in Goa

The Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched Special Campaign 6.0 on 2 October 2026, undertaking cleanliness and sanitation activities across ICAR institutes and establishments nationwide. The campaign focuses on improving workplace hygiene, encouraging community participation, promoting responsible waste management and recognising the contribution of sanitation workers.

At ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR–CCARI) in Goa, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan felicitated Safai Mitras in recognition of their year-round contribution to maintaining a clean and hygienic campus.

The nationwide initiative included cleanliness drives, voluntary community service (shramdaan), plantation activities, waste collection, awareness programmes and the transformation of identified public and institutional spaces. These efforts also highlight practices relevant to India’s hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors, particularly in sanitation management, environmental sustainability and the upkeep of public spaces.

Key Highlights

• Campaign launched: Special Campaign 6.0 commenced on 2 October 2026 across ICAR institutes and establishments.
• Safai Mitra recognition: Shivraj Singh Chouhan felicitated sanitation workers at ICAR–CCARI, Goa.
• Nationwide participation: ICAR institutions organised cleanliness drives, shramdaan, awareness programmes and community initiatives.
• Waste management: Activities included litter collection, dustbin distribution, vermicomposting of water hyacinth and systematic disposal of unwanted materials.
• Greening initiatives: Plantation drives were conducted under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign.
• Workplace improvement: Institutes focused on cleaner premises, better waste disposal and the management of old records.
• Sri Vijaya Puram initiative: ICAR-CIARI reported participation by 85 staff members and the planting of approximately 55 West Indian Cherry plants.

Special Campaign 6.0 Extends Across ICAR Institutions

ICAR Headquarters and affiliated institutions conducted cleanliness drives at institutional premises, roads, pathways, villages and other identified locations. Activities included special Gram Sabhas, Swachhata Sabhas, awareness programmes and plogging to collect litter from public and institutional spaces.

The campaign also encouraged the distribution and placement of dustbins, plantation in cleaned areas and the beautification of spaces following cleanliness drives. Before-and-after photographs were used to document improvements.

Alongside physical cleanliness, the programme incorporated resource-management practices such as vermicomposting water hyacinth, weeding and reviewing old files for appropriate disposal and record management.

These activities aim to promote cleaner surroundings while encouraging institutions and communities to adopt more sustainable practices beyond the duration of the campaign.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan Felicitates Safai Mitras in Goa

A key highlight of the launch was the Shramik Samman programme at ICAR–CCARI, Goa, where Shivraj Singh Chouhan felicitated Safai Mitras with shawls, bouquets and gifts in appreciation of their dedicated service.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State Shripad Yesso Naik and Rajya Sabha Member Sadanand Shet Tanawade also attended the occasion. Sawant appreciated ICAR–CCARI’s participation and efforts under Swachhata Hi Seva 2026.

The programme highlighted the importance of recognising sanitation workers whose work supports the cleanliness, hygiene and upkeep of institutional environments.

ICAR Institutes Promote Year-Round Cleanliness

Several ICAR institutions marked Swachh Bharat Diwas on 2 October with cleanliness activities and programmes encouraging sustained participation.

At the ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi, Secretary DARE and Director General ICAR Mangi Lal Jat called for making cleanliness a year-round activity and encouraged team-based initiatives to maintain a healthy workplace environment. The institute also organised a painting competition through its Post Graduate School Students’ Union, with prizes distributed to the winners.

At ICAR–NAARM in Hyderabad and ICAR–CAFRI in Jhansi, activities included tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, the felicitation of Safai Mitras and awareness programmes promoting sanitation, community responsibility and responsible waste management.

At ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram, 85 staff members participated in a cleanliness drive and plantation activity near the ATIC building and residential quarters. Approximately 55 West Indian Cherry plants were planted under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative.

Impact on Hospitality, Travel and Tourism

1. Cleaner Tourist Destinations and Public Spaces

The campaign’s focus on litter removal, public-space improvement and plantation reflects priorities relevant to tourist destinations, heritage areas, transport hubs and high-footfall public locations. Regular maintenance can help create more welcoming environments for domestic and international visitors.

2. Practical Lessons for Hotel and Restaurant Waste Management

Hotels, restaurants, resorts and catering establishments generate food waste, packaging, disposable materials and other operational waste. Initiatives such as vermicomposting, waste segregation and responsible disposal offer practical approaches that hospitality businesses can adapt to improve resource efficiency.

3. Stronger Hygiene Practices Across Hospitality Operations

Cleanliness drives and workplace improvement initiatives reinforce the importance of maintaining hygienic kitchens, dining spaces, storage areas, staff facilities and public-facing environments. Consistent cleaning routines and employee participation are essential to maintaining hospitality standards.

4. Recognition of Sanitation Teams

The felicitation of Safai Mitras highlights the contribution of sanitation workers to clean and safe environments. Hotels, tourism operators and foodservice businesses can apply the same principle by recognising housekeeping, cleaning and waste-management teams and supporting safe working conditions.

5. Sustainability Through Greening and Resource Recovery

Plantation drives and vermicomposting demonstrate how cleanliness initiatives can be linked with environmental responsibility. Hospitality establishments can complement similar efforts through suitable organic-waste composting, green-space maintenance and community-based environmental activities.

Industry Takeaway

ICAR’s Special Campaign 6.0 combines cleanliness, sanitation-worker recognition, waste management and environmental improvement across its nationwide institutional network.

For India’s hospitality and tourism industry, the central takeaway is that clean environments require continuous maintenance, responsible waste management and recognition of the people who deliver these essential services. While the campaign focuses on ICAR institutions and associated communities, its practices offer useful lessons for hotels, restaurants, tourism destinations and public-space managers seeking to strengthen hygiene and sustainability.