'Swachhata' spirit sweeps through twin cities Yamunanagar, Jagadhri

The Haryana Government’s ambitious Haryana Shehar Swachhata Abhiyan has sparked a powerful wave of public participation in the twin cities of Yamunanagar and Jagadhri.

Launched on August 24 and set to conclude on November 25, the campaign aims to make cities across the state cleaner, greener and more beautiful.

The drive has witnessed an overwhelming response, with a special focus is being laid on garbage management as door-to-door collection has been strictly enforced, the use of single-use plastic products is being curbed, and parks are witnessing regular upkeep.

Deputy Commissioner Parth Gupta has directed the immediate repair of rain-damaged roads to support the initiative.

“The Yamunanagar-Jagadhri Municipal Corporation (MC) is spearheading the local execution of the drive, ensuring daily garbage collection, rigorous enforcement of door-to-door waste pickup, maintenance of public parks, and strict action against the use of single-use plastics such as polythene,” said Municipal Commissioner Mahabir Parsad.

A mega cleanliness drive was conducted on Thursday across all 22 municipal wards, drawing thousands of participants from all walks of life.

Among the prominent figures who joined the effort were Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana, former Cabinet Minister Kanwar Pal Gujjar, Mayor Suman Bahamani, DC Parth Gupta, SP Kamaldeep Goyal, and BJP district president Rajesh Sapra.

Volunteers fanned out across the wards, cleaning streets and public spaces while spreading the message of civic cleanliness. “Public representatives also planted saplings to promote environmental awareness, while students from schools and colleges took part in activities such as rangoli and poster-making, and chart competitions focused on sanitation themes,” Parsad added.

The Agriculture Minister said true transformation would come only when cleanliness became a lifestyle choice.

“A single day’s campaign is not enough. Every citizen must adopt cleanliness as a personal and collective responsibility. A clean environment is the foundation of a healthy society and a gift to future generations,” he said. Mayor Suman Behmani echoed similar sentiments, calling cleanliness vital for good health.

“Living in filth invites disease. Keeping our surroundings clean is not just about aesthetics — it’s about public health and dignity,” she said, urging citizens to be active participants in the mission.

The results of the campaign are already visible.

Several tonnes of garbage were collected during the mega drive, and transported to the Gulab Nagar segregation point and the Kail solid waste management plant.

Cleanliness selfie points set up across the city saw high footfall as citizens proudly documented their contributions.

The MC’s efforts have not gone unnoticed on the national stage either. According to the Swachh Bharat Survey-2024, results of which were announced in July this year, Yamunanagar-Jagadhri achieved a commendable 47th rank among Indian cities with populations of 3-10 lakh — a 174-spot leap from its 2023 rank of 221. On the state level, Yamunanagar ranked 11th among 87 cities.

Parsad credited this improvement to a series of well-planned initiatives. These, he said, included strategic zoning of the city for efficient garbage collection, consistent lifting of waste, beautification of public spaces, and the closure of traditional garbage points.

Informative banners were also placed to dissuade people from littering at closed points.

Another highlight of the campaign was the beautification of major city roads — including the Gymkhana Club road, the Madhu Hotel to Bhai Kanhaiya Sahib Chowk stretch, and the workshop road. Public engagement was further amplified through awareness rallies, competitive events, and cultural activities conducted in schools, colleges, markets, and community areas.