Tripura CM Manik Saha launched the Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 campaign, urging respect for sanitation workers and highlighting the state’s ODF achievements, plastic waste initiatives, and collective responsibility to keep cities and villages clean on PM Modi’s 75th birthday.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Wednesday urged citizens to extend due respect to sanitation workers, emphasizing their critical role in maintaining cleanliness and public health across cities and villages. Speaking at the state-level launch of the fortnight-long Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2025 programme at the prestigious Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan in Agartala, the Chief Minister highlighted that sanitation workers deserve the same recognition as frontline workers, given their tireless efforts in safeguarding community well-being.
Dr. Saha noted that out of 765 Open Defecation Free (ODF) villages in Tripura, 762 have been categorized as ODF Plus model villages, marking a significant achievement in rural sanitation. “Tripura has been appreciated at the national level for its solid and liquid waste management performance, and this recognition reflects the dedication of both officials and sanitation workers,” he said.
The SHS 2025 campaign, in its ninth edition, was launched nationwide on Wednesday to coincide with the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The programme, running from September 17 to October 2, will culminate on Gandhi Jayanti and the birth anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri. The campaign seeks to mobilize millions of citizens in cleanliness drives and awareness initiatives across India, with special attention to dark, dirty, and neglected spots known as Cleanliness Target Units.
Jointly spearheaded by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, SHS 2025 brings together communities, institutions, and individuals to ensure visible transformation in public spaces.
Focus on Waste Management in Tripura
During his address, CM Saha also spoke about Tripura’s steps toward sustainable waste management. He informed the gathering that five rural plastic waste management units are currently operational in the state, with more units planned for the near future. These facilities are aimed at tackling the growing problem of plastic pollution in rural areas while creating local opportunities for recycling and reuse.
The Chief Minister appealed to people across the state to dedicate at least one hour daily during the campaign to cleaning activities. He further stressed the importance of involving students and the youth in spreading awareness about waste management and the need to develop long-term habits of cleanliness.
“Through events such as debates, painting competitions, and cultural functions, we must generate awareness on cleanliness and proper waste management practices. The younger generation has to be at the forefront of this movement to make it sustainable,” he said.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by several senior officials and dignitaries, including Higher Education, Panchayat and General Administration Minister Kishor Barman and Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumder, who reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening urban and rural sanitation infrastructure.
Birthday Wishes to Prime Minister Modi
On the occasion of Prime Minister Modi’s 75th birthday, the Chief Minister also extended heartfelt greetings through his official social media platforms. In a detailed post, Dr. Saha praised the Prime Minister’s leadership, describing him as the “guiding star” of the nation.
“Your heart beats with the pulse of Bharat, a sacred flame igniting hope, pride, and dreams in every Indian’s soul. Every step you take, every policy you craft, is a love letter to our nation’s future,” CM Saha wrote. He further prayed to Maa Tripura Sundari for the Prime Minister’s long life, wisdom, and strength to continue steering India toward progress.
Collective Responsibility for Cleanliness
As the SHS campaign continues until October 2, the Chief Minister reiterated that cleanliness is not just a government initiative but a collective responsibility of society. He urged people from all walks of life to come forward, participate actively, and contribute toward making Tripura and India cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable.
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“Sanitation workers form the backbone of this mission. By respecting their contribution and working alongside them, we can transform our surroundings into healthier spaces for future generations,” Dr. Saha concluded.
