Karwar: A fortnight-long cleanliness drive under the theme ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ will be held across Uttara Kannada district from September 17 to October 2, 2025. The campaign, jointly initiated by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, aims to raise awareness about sanitation and cleanliness among citizens in both rural and urban areas.

As part of the drive, all gram panchayats, schools, anganwadis, and primary health centres will organize various mandatory activities. At the district level, an inauguration ceremony will be followed by the formation of a multi-departmental coordination committee to oversee implementation. Authorities will identify garbage-prone and polluted areas for intensive cleaning, while mass shramadaan (voluntary service) events will be conducted at crowded locations and public institutions.

Health check-ups for sanitation workers, single-window camps to spread awareness on government welfare schemes, and initiatives to promote eco-friendly, waste-free festivals have also been planned. Other highlights include Swachh Sujal Grama activities, art creation from waste, campaigns on clean streets and safe food, and awareness about Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR) centres.

A special state-wide shramadaan programme titled “One Day, One Hour, Together” will take place on September 25, when all citizens will be encouraged to collectively clean their surroundings.

“Instructions have been issued to all gram panchayats to ensure the effective execution of the campaign. The participation of citizens, elected representatives, and voluntary organizations is crucial to making this mission a success,” said Dr. Dilish Shashi, Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Panchayat, Karwar.