In a significant tribute to the Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, the Yogi Adityanath  government is set to recognise the outstanding contributions of Safai Mitras and other individuals in the field of cleanliness with the Swachhata Hi Seva Award on October 2. This initiative is part of a broader cleanliness campaign, Swachhata Hi Seva, to run across the state from September 17 to October 2. The award, which will be presented in nine different categories, aims to honour public participation, dedicated associates and special initiatives in the cleanliness drive. The selection of awardees will be made by a committee at both the state and district levels. The Urban Development department, following the directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has chalked out an action plan to execute this campaign. The 15-day campaign will feature daily theme-based information, education and communication (IEC) activities. As part of the celebrations for the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Yogi government will host a series of events across all urban bodies under the Swachhata Hi Seva Pakhwada. These activities, reflecting Gandhis enduring message of cleanliness, will culminate on October 2 with a ceremony recognising outstanding contributions to cleanliness at the state and district levels. The awards will celebrate achievements such as the transformation of cleanliness target units (CTU) sites and honour Safai Mitras, as well as other state-level winners. Additionally, the event will see the inauguration and foundation laying of key sanitation projects, including community and public toilets, solid waste management (SWM) projects, sewage treatment plants, and fecal sludge treatment plants (FSTP), among other initiatives aimed at promoting a cleaner and healthier environment. The Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 awards will honour outstanding contributions to cleanliness and sanitation across nine distinct categories. These categories include Swachhata Participation, CTU (Cleanliness Targeted Unit) Transformation, Safai Mitra Suraksha Camp, Swachh Food Streets, SBM Culture Festivals, SBM Waste to Art Installations, Public Advocacy, Partners, and Special Initiatives. Award recipients will be chosen by a jury appointed at both the state and district levels. Additionally, each ward will have a Clean Environment Promotion Committee responsible for conducting a clean house survey. The top three cleanest houses in each ward will receive a citation, and sanitation workers who demonstrate exceptional dedication in their work will also be honoured. The campaign is set to involve widespread public participation, with individuals from all walks of life, including Chief Minister Yogi, state ministers, public representatives and officials engaging in Shramdaan (voluntary labour) at various locations. Voluntary organisations, schools and colleges will also actively participate in the cleanliness programmes, reinforcing the collective effort toward a cleaner state. To further enhance youth involvement and raise awareness about cleanliness, a series of IEC programmes will be conducted. These initiatives will include Plog run, Marathon, and Cyclothon events, as well as plantation drives and Zero Waste Events organised by the Clean Environment Promotion Committee. Additionally, clubs will engage in various campaigns, educational institutions will work to make their campuses plastic-free and students will clean their schools, colleges and universities while taking a pledge of cleanliness.

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