Swachhta Hi Seva 2025 Campaign Inaugurated in Rayagada with Rally and Tree Plantation
BY CHANDRABHANU SINGH
Rayagada, Sept 18: The nationwide Swachhta Hi Seva – 2025 campaign, being observed from September 17 to October 2, was formally launched in Rayagada today with a rally and tree plantation drive.
The rally began at 8 a.m. from the Panchayat Samiti office and culminated at the District Council office. Over 150 students from local schools, joined by officers and staff of the District Council and Sadar Panchayat Samiti, participated enthusiastically, spreading the message of cleanliness and civic responsibility.
Following the rally, a plantation drive under the initiative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” was conducted on the premises of the District Council office. District Council Chairperson Mrs. Saraswati Majhi, District Collector Shri Kulkarni Ashutosh, and Chief Development Executive Officer Shri Akshay Kumar Khemundu led the plantation activity, symbolizing the campaign’s commitment to both sanitation and environmental conservation.
A formal inauguration ceremony was later held in the District Council Conference Hall, presided over by Mrs. Majhi as chief guest. Among the dignitaries present were District Collector Shri Ashutosh, District Forest Officer Shri Ahol Sachin Anna Saheb, District Education Officer Shri Ramachandra Nahak, and students of Raigarh Swayam Sita Mahavidyalaya.
Addressing the gathering, CDO Shri Khemundu outlined the campaign’s action plan, highlighting that 185 traditional garbage dumps, 475 public garbage spots, 39 tourist locations, and 34 water bodies across the district have been earmarked for cleaning. The fortnight-long campaign, he said, will focus on strengthening sanitation systems and fostering community participation.
District Collector Shri Ashutosh stressed that the cleanliness drive must continue beyond the campaign period to ensure long-term environmental protection. Chairperson Mrs. Majhi also called upon all stakeholders to work collectively for its success.
The programme concluded with the administration of the Cleanliness Pledge by Shri Khemundu, followed by a vote of thanks from Shri Vijay Kumar Nayak, AEO (Finance). The event was smoothly conducted by District Advisors Shri Laxmi Narayan Dora and Smt. Jay Laxmi Patra.
