With energy building across the nation, the stage is set for the ninth edition of ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ (SHS) 2025, which will focus on Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs).
Starting on 17th September and culminating on 2nd October under the aegis of Swachh Bharat Mission, the campaign will mobilize millions across the nation in a collective call to action for high-impact ‘swachhata’ drives.
Launched jointly by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, SHS 2025 brings together citizens, communities, and institutions to drive visible cleanliness on the ground, with focus on Cleanliness Target Units — dark, dirty and neglected spots.
Speaking at the curtain raiser event here, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal said identification, transformation and beautification of CTUs will happen on a fast-track-mode and beyond the campaign period for visible cleanliness on ground. Cities are identifying CTUs — dark spots, neglected and hard-to-reach areas, and places with excessive waste such as garbage dumps, railway stations, rivers, degraded lands, back lanes, and heavily littered dirty spots that need timely cleaning.
These areas directly impact visible cleanliness, as cleanliness and beauty go hand in hand, the minister was quoted as saying in an official release. In 2024, over 8 lakh such CTUs were transformed and made usable public spaces.
On the occasion, the minister said that Delhi’s Bhalswa dumpsite would also be transformed in near future.
“I will visit Bhalswa on 17th September 2025, accompanied by administrators, to review plans for waste remediation and processing. Starting from that day, we will initiate the cleanup process. Given the space constraints for further waste processing at the site, I have also requested the DDA to assist us in securing additional land,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister C R Paatil urged citizens from all walks of life to participate wholeheartedly in the nationwide ‘shramdaan’ on September 25, to demonstrate India’s resolve for a cleaner, healthier, and greener tomorrow.
He also announced a ‘Rs 8–10 Crore Safai Mitra Suraksha Fund’ for Surat including Navsari for welfare including educational support and interest-free loans for their families.
Also, as part of Swachhata Hi Seva 2025, a nationwide voluntary ‘shramdaan’ –“Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” — will be organized on 25th September 2025.