New Delhi: The Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched Special Campaign 6.0 on October 2, with cleanliness drives, sanitation activities and community outreach programmes across their institutes and establishments nationwide.
The campaign aims to promote clean and hygienic workplaces, encourage public participation and foster a sustained culture of cleanliness in line with the spirit of Swachhata. Officials at ICAR headquarters participated in cleanliness drives at the National Agricultural Science Complex in Pusa, New Delhi, marking the launch.
As part of the campaign, ICAR institutes organised cleanliness drives and Shramdaan activities in institutional premises, villages, roads and public spaces. Special Gram Sabhas, Swachhata Sabhas, awareness programmes and plogging activities were also held to promote sanitation, hygiene, waste management and community responsibility.
The initiatives included plantation and greening activities under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, distribution of dustbins, vermicomposting of water hyacinth and systematic weeding and disposal of old files. Cleaned spaces were also beautified, with before-and-after photographic documentation. Safai Mitras, sanitation workers and volunteers were recognised for their contribution to maintaining clean surroundings.
At the ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (CCARI) in Goa, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan felicitated Safai Mitras with shawls, bouquets and gifts in recognition of their year-round service in maintaining a clean and hygienic campus.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant appreciated the institute’s participation in Swachhata Hi Seva 2026. Union Minister of State Shripad Yesso Naik and Rajya Sabha member Sadanand Shet Tanawade also attended the programme, which highlighted the values of cleanliness, service and respect for sanitation workers.
At ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi, Swachh Bharat Diwas was observed under the theme “Swachhta Mein Sahbhag – Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat”. A floral tribute was paid to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary, followed by cleanliness activities across the institute.
DARE Secretary and ICAR Director General Mangi Lal Jat called for making cleanliness a year-round activity through collective participation. He said a clean workplace contributes to employee well-being, scientific progress and public health. He also emphasised teamwork, leadership development, mentoring young scientists and nurturing students for their holistic growth. Prizes were distributed to winners of a cleanliness-themed painting competition organised by the IARI Post Graduate School Students’ Union.
Similar activities were conducted at ICAR-NAARM in Hyderabad and ICAR-CAFRI in Jhansi, where participants paid tribute to Gandhi, recognised Safai Mitras and pledged to sustain cleanliness and responsible waste management.
At ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute in Sri Vijaya Puram, 85 staff members took part in a cleanliness drive and planted around 55 West Indian Cherry saplings near the ATIC building and old residential quarters as part of the campaign.
