Swachhata Pakhwada Commences at ICAR–CRIDA to Promote Cleanliness and Environmental Awareness

16 December 2025, Hyderabad

In alignment with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, launched by the Government of India in 2014 to promote cleanliness across urban and rural landscapes, the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, observes Swachhata Pakhwada annually. Accordingly, ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture has commenced the observance of Swachhata Pakhwada from 16 to 31 December 2025.

The Swachhata Pakhwada activities were formally launched today with the display of awareness banners at the ICAR–CRIDA main office and both research farms. 
On the occasion, Dr. V. K. Singh, Director, ICAR–CRIDA, administered the Swachhata Pledge to the institute’s staff members and urged them to make cleanliness an integral part of their daily routine and to maintain a clean and hygienic campus throughout the year. Staff members of ICAR–CRIDA and students of the IARI Mega University Hyderabad Hub participated in the programme.

Principal Scientist and Nodal Officer for Swachhata Pakhwada, briefed the employees about the planned activities to be undertaken during the fortnight from 16 to 31 December 2025.

As part of the programme, a series of date-wise activities are being implemented at the ICAR–CRIDA main office, Bhuvan (Hayatnagar Research Farm), Varun (Gunegal Research Farm), CRIDA Model Village, KVK Ranga Reddy, and other ICAR–CRIDA adopted villages, with the objective of fostering cleanliness and environmental responsibility.

During the Swachhata Pakhwada, a range of activities including Swachhata awareness programmes, cleanliness drives, debate and quiz competitions, tree plantation, awareness on waste management, campaigns on cleaning of sewerage and water lines, recycling of wastewater, and promotion of vermicomposting will be conducted across the institute, research farms, KVK, CRIDA Model Village, and adopted villages. These activities aim to create awareness on cleanliness and sustainable practices, particularly among the farming community.

As part of the observance, Kisan Diwas (Farmer’s Day) will also be celebrated on 23 December 2025 in memory of former Prime Minister Shri Chaudhary Charan Singh, a visionary leader and staunch advocate of farmers’ welfare.

The Swachhata Pakhwada at ICAR–CRIDA underscores the institute’s commitment to promoting cleanliness, environmental sustainability, and community awareness in support of the national Swachh Bharat Mission.

(Source: ICAR- Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad)