🧹 DBT Observes Swachhata Pakhwada 2025: A Nationwide Cleanliness Initiative
Introduction to Swachhata Pakhwada 2025
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Ministry of Science & Technology, observed the Swachhata Pakhwada 2025 from May 1 to May 15. This initiative aimed to promote cleanliness, hygiene, and civic responsibility across its headquarters in New Delhi, autonomous institutions (AIs), and public sector undertakings (PSUs) nationwide. The campaign was part of the Government of India’s flagship Swachh Bharat Mission, aligning with the calendar issued by the Cabinet Secretariat.
Commencement with a Pledge Ceremony
The fortnight-long event commenced with a pledge-taking ceremony at DBT’s CGO Complex in New Delhi on May 1, 2025. Led by the Secretary of DBT, the ceremony was attended by officials and staff, reaffirming their commitment to cleanliness, discipline, and civic responsibility. This collective reading of the pledge set a motivational tone for the activities that followed.
Diverse Activities Conducted Nationwide
Over the 15 days, DBT and its affiliated institutions and PSUs organized 188 activities across India. These activities encompassed a wide range of initiatives:
- Health and Wellness Programs: Free health check-ups, Basic Life Support (BLS), and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training sessions were conducted to promote well-being.
- Awareness Campaigns: Talks on single-use plastic awareness, stress management, and cleanliness were organized to educate the public.
- Community Engagement: Cleanliness drives at old age homes and the National Association for the Blind Centre in Delhi were undertaken. Additionally, tree plantation drives, community runs for health, and nature walks were conducted to encourage environmental consciousness.
- Infrastructure Enhancements: Installation of e-waste bins, sanitary napkin disposal machines, and high-capacity waste shredders were implemented to improve waste management.
- Educational and Cultural Activities: Nukkad Nataks (street plays) were performed by students to educate communities about cleanliness. Painting and poster-making competitions were also organized to engage the youth in creative expressions of hygiene awareness.
Monitoring and Recognition
The Swachhata Pakhwada was closely monitored by senior DBT officials. Regular review meetings were held to encourage and guide participants. A committee was constituted to select the best-performing offices, which were subsequently awarded by the Joint Secretary (Admin) of DBT.
🧭 Why This News Is Important
Alignment with National Initiatives
The DBT’s participation in Swachhata Pakhwada 2025 underscores its commitment to the Government of India’s Swachh Bharat Mission. By aligning with national cleanliness initiatives, DBT contributes to the broader objective of promoting a clean and healthy environment across the country.
Promoting Civic Responsibility
The activities conducted during the fortnight aimed to instill a sense of civic responsibility among citizens. Through community engagement and awareness campaigns, the initiative encouraged individuals to adopt cleanliness practices in their daily lives.
Enhancing Public Health and Hygiene
The health and wellness programs, including free check-ups and training sessions, played a crucial role in enhancing public health awareness. Such initiatives are vital in promoting hygiene and preventing health issues related to poor sanitation.
Environmental Sustainability
The tree plantation drives and installation of waste management infrastructure highlight DBT’s commitment to environmental sustainability. These efforts contribute to improving green cover and efficient waste disposal systems, essential components of a sustainable environment.
Educational Outreach
The educational and cultural activities, such as Nukkad Nataks and competitions, effectively communicated the importance of cleanliness to diverse audiences. Engaging the youth through creative expressions fosters a culture of cleanliness among future generations.
🕰️ Historical Context: Swachh Bharat Mission
Launched on October 2, 2014, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Swachh Bharat Mission aimed to eliminate open defecation and improve solid waste management across India. The mission emphasizes the importance of cleanliness and sanitation in achieving public health and environmental sustainability. Over the years, various government departments and institutions have participated in Swachhata Pakhwada, a fortnight-long cleanliness drive, to promote these objectives.
📊 Key Takeaways from DBT’s Swachhata Pakhwada 2025
| S.No | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Duration: Swachhata Pakhwada 2025 was observed from May 1 to May 15, 2025. |
| 2 | Organizing Body: Initiated by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology. |
| 3 | Scope: 188 cleanliness and awareness activities conducted across DBT headquarters, autonomous institutions, and public sector undertakings nationwide. |
| 4 | Key Activities: Included health check-ups, BLS and CPR training, awareness campaigns on plastic use and stress management, cleanliness drives, tree plantation, and cultural programs like Nukkad Nataks. |
| 5 | Recognition: Best-performing offices were awarded by the Joint Secretary (Admin), DBT, based on their contributions during the Pakhwada. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Swachhata Pakhwada?
Swachhata Pakhwada is a fortnight-long cleanliness drive observed by various government departments and institutions to promote hygiene, sanitation, and civic responsibility across India.
2. Which department observed Swachhata Pakhwada 2025 as mentioned in the article?
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Ministry of Science & Technology, observed Swachhata Pakhwada 2025.
3. How many activities were conducted during the DBT’s Swachhata Pakhwada 2025?
A total of 188 cleanliness and awareness activities were organized nationwide by DBT and its affiliated institutions.
4. What kinds of activities were included in the Swachhata Pakhwada 2025?
Activities included health check-ups, BLS and CPR training, awareness campaigns on single-use plastics and stress management, cleanliness drives, tree plantations, and cultural programs such as Nukkad Nataks.
5. Why is the Swachhata Pakhwada important for government exam aspirants?
It highlights the government’s initiatives on cleanliness, public health, environmental sustainability, and civic responsibility — topics often asked in exams related to general awareness and current affairs.
6. Who awarded the best-performing offices during Swachhata Pakhwada 2025?
The Joint Secretary (Admin) of DBT awarded the best-performing offices based on their participation and efforts.
Some Important Current Affairs Links
