ICAR-MGIFRI, Motihari and SSB Join Hands to Promote Cleanliness and Community Participation under Swachhata Hi Seva–2026

24 September 2026, Motihari, Bihar

ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari organized a Swachhata Awareness and Community Engagement Programme with the active participation of personnel from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) as part of Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS)–2026. The programme aimed to strengthen Jan Bhagidari and promote cleanliness, environmental hygiene, responsible waste management and collective action for building clean, healthy and sustainable rural communities.

The programme was organized under the overall guidance of Dr Raghavendra Singh, Director, ICAR-MGIFRI. Shri K. Ranjit, Deputy Inspector-General (DIG), SSB, along with SSB personnel, scientists, technical personnel and staff of ICAR-MGIFRI actively participated in the programme.

The interaction focused on the message that cleanliness is a shared responsibility and sustained community participation is essential for creating healthy and resilient villages. Participants discussed proper disposal and management of waste, maintenance of clean public and institutional spaces, environmental sanitation and the need to prevent indiscriminate accumulation of waste. Special attention was given to the importance of cleanliness in flood-prone rural areas, where unmanaged solid waste and unhygienic surroundings can compound sanitation and environmental challenges during and after flooding.

The SSB representatives emphasized collective responsibility, discipline and community participation in maintaining cleanliness. They highlighted the importance of translating awareness into regular action at household, institutional and community levels. The interaction also highlighted the concept of “Vibrant Villages”, emphasizing cleanliness, environmental hygiene, public participation and sustainable development as essential components of healthy and resilient rural communities.

Addressing the participants, Dr Raghavendra Singh, Director, ICAR-MGIFRI, emphasized that cleanliness should not remain limited to a campaign or a particular period but should become an integral part of everyday behaviour. He highlighted the close linkage between clean surroundings, environmental sustainability, agricultural ecosystems and healthy rural communities. He called upon all participants to adopt responsible waste-management practices and motivate others to contribute actively towards the national cleanliness movement.

The success of Swachhata initiatives depends on converting awareness into individual responsibility and collective action. Participants were urged to maintain cleanliness at workplaces, farms and community spaces, minimize waste generation, ensure proper segregation and disposal of waste, and actively encourage community participation. It was emphasized that “Swachhata is not a one-day activity; it is a continuous responsibility towards our health, environment and future generations.”

Following the awareness programme, a joint cleanliness drive was undertaken at ICAR-MGIFRI with active participation of SSB personnel and institute staff. Participants cleaned identified areas in and around the institute premises, collected litter and unwanted materials, and contributed towards improving the overall cleanliness of the surroundings. The activity demonstrated the importance of moving beyond awareness to visible and collective action.

The participation of SSB leadership and personnel provided an important platform for strengthening Jan Bhagidari under Swachhata Hi Seva–2026 and demonstrated the potential of collaboration among research institutions, security forces and local communities in promoting cleanliness and environmental responsibility.

The programme concluded with a collective commitment to promote cleanliness, responsible waste management, environmental hygiene and community participation. Through the initiative, ICAR-MGIFRI reaffirmed its commitment to the message of “Swachhata Se Swasthya, Swachhata Se Samriddhi”, encouraging every individual to contribute towards cleaner, healthier and more sustainable rural communities.

(Source: ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari)