Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu urged citizens to make cleanliness part of their daily lives. He made the appeal during the state rollout of Swachhta Hi Seva 2026 in Itanagar on September 17.
Khandu joined students, teachers, NCC cadets and government officials in a cleanliness drive at Mallo Tarin Government Higher Secondary School. The event marked the launch of the month-long campaign across Arunachal Pradesh.
This year’s campaign runs under the theme “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat.” It focuses on cleanliness, hygiene and civic responsibility through public participation.
Cleanliness Should Go Beyond School Campuses
Addressing students at the event, Khandu said cleanliness should not remain limited to school campuses. He urged students to carry clean habits from schools to their homes, villages, workplaces and offices.
The Chief Minister said daily habits can help create a cleaner environment. He also encouraged students to discuss cleanliness with their friends and families.
Khandu asked participants to take the Swachhta pledge seriously. The pledge calls for spending 100 hours a year on cleanliness activities. This works out to around two hours every week.
Swachhta Hi Seva Becomes a Month-Long Campaign
The state will observe Swachhta Hi Seva 2026 for a month. The campaign aims to encourage people to take part in cleanliness and civic activities across Arunachal Pradesh.
Officials have planned around 12 programmes during the campaign. These include competitions for school students and other awareness activities.
Art and speech competitions will take place at the district level. District winners will then compete at the state level.
The campaign also seeks to strengthen public participation in sanitation and waste management. It places students and young people at the centre of efforts to build long-term cleanliness habits.
Waste-to-Art Initiative Draws Attention
During the programme, Khandu appreciated the Waste to Art Park developed at Mallo Tarin Government Higher Secondary School.
The project was created in partnership with KPMG and students. It demonstrates how discarded materials can find new uses through creativity and innovation.
Khandu highlighted the initiative as an example of how small efforts can create positive habits. He also linked cleanliness and orderliness with discipline and responsible living.
Such initiatives can also help students understand waste management in practical ways. They can encourage young people to view waste as a resource instead of simply throwing it away.
Seva Aapke Dwar Camps Planned Across State
The Chief Minister also announced Seva Aapke Dwar camps during the campaign period.
The camps will take place across all districts. They will connect villagers with government services and facilities available through central and state government schemes.
This will combine cleanliness-related activities with wider public-service delivery. It will also give rural communities opportunities to access government programmes closer to their homes.
The initiative forms part of the state’s wider effort to increase community participation in development and public services.
Government Highlights Discipline Among Students
Khandu also spoke about discipline and respect for teachers, parents, elders and support staff.
He said habits developed during school years can influence the future behaviour of young people. His message connected cleanliness with wider values such as discipline and responsible citizenship.
The Chief Minister also encouraged students to use social media and digital platforms constructively. He said these platforms can provide opportunities for learning and gaining knowledge when used responsibly.
Sports and Youth Development Also Highlighted
During his interaction with students, Khandu highlighted the importance of sports for physical and mental well-being.
He said Arunachal Pradesh had won more than 1,000 medals at national and international competitions over the past decade. He also noted that athletes from the state in Wushu and Taekwondo have been selected to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
The state has also initiated a framework for Mission Olympics through the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs.
Khandu said the government is creating platforms for young people in academics, sports, entertainment and other fields. He cited programmes such as Arunachal Got Talent, Mr Arunachal, Miss Arunachal, Arunachal Idol, Battle of Minds and Spelling Bees.
Campaign Promotes Public Participation
The Swachhta Hi Seva campaign places public participation at the centre of cleanliness efforts.
Across Arunachal Pradesh, districts and local bodies have also started activities linked to the campaign. These include cleanliness drives, awareness programmes, waste management initiatives and community participation.
In places such as Pasighat and Ziro, local authorities have involved municipal bodies, community organisations, youth groups and residents in the campaign. The activities aim to make cleanliness a sustained responsibility rather than a one-day event.
Cleanliness as a Daily Responsibility
Khandu’s message focused on changing everyday habits. He urged people to treat cleanliness as a regular responsibility instead of something limited to special campaigns.
The month-long Swachhta Hi Seva 2026 campaign will provide a platform for citizens, students, government departments and community organisations to work together.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged the contribution of the Urban Local Bodies Department, Education Department, Mallo Tarin GHSS, KPMG, NCC personnel and students in organising the state-level launch.
With activities planned across the state, Arunachal Pradesh aims to use the campaign to strengthen awareness about hygiene, waste management and civic responsibility. The emphasis remains on turning cleanliness into a regular part of everyday life.