India
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Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 begins after 18 crore joined
The Indian Express··17 Sept
Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 began Thursday, asking citizens to take ownership of surroundings. Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil said 5.25 lakh villages are open defecation free and 12.22 crore rural toilets were built since 2014. Over 18 crore people joined last year, including 14 crore from rural areas. Patil said every state and village can join this year's movement.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Village panchayats may run Swachh Seva Aankalan self assessments this season.
- Citizens can join local cleanups tied to the annual Hi Seva drive.
- Rural sanitation targets remain tied to Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen reporting.
What's Happening
- Patil launched the 2026 edition on Wednesday ahead of Thursday's start.
- The campaign theme links cleanliness participation to Viksit Bharat goals.
- Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation runs parallel assessment programmes.
Rural toilet coverage
- Patil cited 5.25 lakh open defecation free villages and 12.22 crore rural toilets since 2014.
- More than 18 crore people joined the prior year campaign.
- Thursday also marks Prime Minister Modi's birthday on September 17.
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