Agartala, Sep 17: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday launched the state-level Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2025 campaign at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan, urging citizens to accord due respect to sanitation workers for their vital role in maintaining hygiene and public health.
Highlighting their contribution, Saha said sanitation workers should be shown the same respect as frontline workers, as their efforts are central to ensuring cleaner communities and healthier lives.
The Chief Minister informed that out of 765 Open Defecation Free (ODF) villages in Tripura, 762 have already been declared ODF Plus model villages, a remarkable achievement that earned the state recognition at the national level for its solid and liquid waste management performance.
The fortnight-long SHS campaign, launched nationwide on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, will continue till October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti and Lal Bahadur Shastri’s birth anniversary. Jointly organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, the initiative focuses on mobilising citizens to address dark, dirty, and neglected spots through impactful cleanliness drives.
Saha also announced that five rural plastic waste management units are already operational in Tripura, with more planned in the coming days. Urging people to dedicate at least one hour daily to cleaning during the campaign, he stressed involving youth and students through debates, painting competitions, and cultural events to spread awareness on cleanliness and waste management.
The programme was attended by Higher Education, Panchayat & General Administration Minister Kishor Barman and Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumder, among others.
On the occasion, CM Saha also greeted Prime Minister Modi on his 75th birthday, hailing him as a “yug purush” and a guiding star for India’s progress.
