The Swachhta Pakhwada campaign, organized by the ICAR–Central Island Agricultural
Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI) in Sri Vijaya Puram, took place from December 16 to
December 31, 2025, with the objective of fostering cleanliness, hygiene, and environmental
sustainability. This initiative aimed to engage the entire ICAR-CIARI community, including
staff, students, and local residents, in a variety of activities that underscored the significance
of cleanliness in workspaces, public areas, and the environment.The campaign began on
December 16, 2025, with a Mass Administration of the Swachhta Pledge held in the
conference room of the Institute. All participants, comprising staff and students, pledged to
uphold cleanliness in their surroundings, avoid littering, and actively contribute to fostering a
cleaner and healthier workplace and society. This pledge established the foundation for the
subsequent events and activities.
A prominent aspect of the campaign was the daily cleanliness drives conducted throughout
the campus and its vicinity. These drives involved cleaning workspaces, laboratories, and
open areas such as gardens and lawns. Furthermore, the removal of dry leaves, grass, and
litter enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the campus and contributed to a more pleasant and
hygienic environment for all. The drives also extended beyond the institute's premises to
include cleanup efforts on public roads and nearby areas, promoting wider community
involvement.In alignment with the cleanliness theme, the campaign also advocated for
digitalization to minimize paper waste and optimize operations. The institute concentrated on
digitizing the campus layout and implemented enhanced e-Office file management, which
supported both environmental sustainability and improved administrative efficiency.
A major highlight of the campaign was the "Waste to Wealth" workshop, which took place
on December 20, 2025, at the Integrated Farming System (IFS) Farm. This workshop focused
on the critical need to convert agricultural and organic waste into valuable resources.
Attendees were introduced to straightforward technological solutions, such as mechanical
shredding and vermicomposting, which can change waste materials, including coconut
fronds, into nutrient-dense organic manure. Additionally, the workshop offered practical
demonstrations on how to create organic fertilizers like vermicompost and enriched compost,
aiding participants in grasping the long-term advantages of effective waste management for
sustainable agriculture.A significant community outreach effort was conducted at Sunday
Haat, Chouldary, concentrating on enhancing cleanliness in local markets. The outreach
highlighted the importance of washing vegetables with clean water, avoiding contact with
contaminated surfaces, and adhering to proper food storage methods. This initiative also
sought to increase awareness regarding the critical role of hygiene in food safety.
Moreover, the campaign featured a Green/Plantation Drive, during which trees were planted
throughout the institute’s campus, emphasizing the necessity of environmental conservation.
Special attention was given to glove plantation beneath existing coconut trees on the
institute's organic plot, contributing to both aesthetic and ecological enhancements.Kisan
Divas was celebrated on December 23, 2025, as part of the campaign to recognize the vital
contributions of farmers to society. The event included speeches from Shri Shivraj Singh
Chouhan Ji, the Hon'ble Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and Shri
Bhagirath Choudhary Ji, the Hon'ble Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers
Welfare. Both ministers highlighted the significance of integrated farming systems in
increasing farmers' income and discussed new initiatives such as the Viksit Bharat –
Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin).The event also recognized ten
innovative farmers and felicitated by Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR-CIARI for their
exceptional contributions to agriculture on the island.
Additionally, the campaign featured a Walkathon and Plogging Drive on December 29, 2025,
during which participants traversed the campus while concurrently gathering plastic waste
and other non-biodegradable items. This initiative, designed to enhance waste management
and environmental awareness, proved to be immensely successful in highlighting the
significance of minimizing plastic waste.The concluding day of the campaign included a
dialogue on waste disposal practices with Smt. Kavitha Udhaya Kumar, the Councilor of
Bathubasti and former Chairperson of Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council, alongside Shri N.
K. Udhaya Kumar, who also served as a former Chairperson. They emphasized the necessity
of waste segregation, collection, and disposal techniques in residential areas on campus,
concentrating on the enhancement of the overall waste management system.
In summary, the Swachhta Pakhwada campaign at ICAR-CIARI was a fruitful initiative that
involved the entire community in advocating for cleanliness, sustainability, and
environmental consciousness. Through a variety of activities such as cleanliness drives,
workshops, outreach programs, and community involvement, the campaign cultivated a
greater appreciation for the importance of sustaining a clean and hygienic environment. It
also underscored the significance of waste management and sustainable farming practices in
promoting the welfare of society and the environment.
Programme was coordinated by Shri. D. Karunakaran,Scientist & Nodal Officer , Swachhta
Pakhwada under the guidance of Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR-CIARI.