World Environment Day 2026: Directorate of Rural Sanitation Launches “Swachh Gaon, Surakshit Jalvayu” Campaign
DG Rural Sanitation Calls for Mass Mobilization to Build Cleaner Villages, Climate-Resilient Future
Srinagar, June 01: In line with the directions of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, the Directorate of Rural Sanitation, Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, J&K has launched “Swachh Gaon, Surakshit Jalvayu” (Clean Village, Secure Climate) campaign from 1st June to 5th June 2026, culminating on World Environment Day.
The campaign is being organized under the aegis of Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase-II and aligns with the national theme of World Environment Day 2026, “Climate Action”, while promoting the principles of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
The initiative aims to strengthen rural sanitation systems and promote sustainable environmental practices through widespread community participation and Jan Bhagidari. Special emphasis will be laid on effective implementation of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, which came into force on 1st April 2026.
Key focus areas of the campaign include awareness and sensitization on SWM Rules, 2026, identification and management of Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs), promotion of four-stream source segregation of waste, scientific management of legacy waste, strengthening Greywater Management through the 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse and Recharge, promotion of circular economy and waste-to-wealth initiatives, self-assessment and validation of community sanitation assets by Gram Panchayats, reinforcement of ODF Plus (Model) sustainability and Sampoorna Swachhata goals, encouraging environmentally responsible behaviour under Mission LiFE.
During the campaign period, Gram Panchayats will undertake a series of awareness and cleanliness activities, community mobilization drives, plantation drives, stakeholder consultations, and field-level interventions aimed at improving waste management and environmental sustainability in rural areas.
The campaign will culminate in a Special Gram Sabha on 5th June 2026, where achievements, best practices, and awareness generated on SWM Rules, 2026 will be reviewed and discussed. The proceedings and activities undertaken during the campaign will be reported through designated monitoring platforms.
“Swachh Gaon, Surakshit Jalvayu” is not merely a campaign but a collective movement towards sustainable living, environmental stewardship, and strengthened rural sanitation systems,” said Ms Anoo Malhotra, Director General Rural Sanitation, J&K.
Ms Malhotra has called upon all field functionaries, Panchayati Raj Institutions, community leaders, Self-Help Groups, youth volunteers, educational institutions, and citizens to actively participate in the campaign and contribute towards building cleaner villages and a climate-resilient rural future.
