As part of the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign, ICAR–Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CPCRI), Kasaragod, organised a series of cleanliness, environmental conservation, health, awareness and community-engagement activities from 17 September to 2 October 2026. The campaign was conducted under the theme “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag: Swachh Bharat Viksit Bharat”, with the objective of promoting cleanliness, responsible waste management, environmental sustainability and active participation of staff and the public. The activities were organised not only within the institute campus and residential areas but also at reg/research centres and in collaboration with local communities and the Grama Panchayat.
The Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign at ICAR-CPCRI, Kasaragod, was inaugurated on 17 September 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at the institute campus. The programme was presided over by Dr. K. B. Hebbar, Director, ICAR-CPCRI. Around 150 staff members participated in the inaugural programme. The programme included the Swachhata pledge and inauguration of the Swachhata Selfie Point, followed by a cleanliness and awareness rally. The rally proceeded towards the Chowki local market, carrying the message of cleanliness and civic responsibility among the public. The inauguration marked the beginning of a series of activities planned throughout the campaign period.
As part of the campaign, cleanliness and awareness activities were undertaken at the ICAR-CPCRI Regional Station, Mohitnagar. A drawing competition on the theme “Swachhta Hi Sewa Hai” was organised at Baniapara Junior High School & hosted swachhata classes. The programme aimed to sensitise the younger generation about cleanliness and environmental responsibility through creative expression and handling of organic waste and composting.
On 19 September, the staff of ICAR-CPCRI, Kasaragod, identified the beach area behind the campus as a Target Unit (CTU)/Garbage Vulnerable Point for time-bound transformation under the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign. A cleanliness drive was subsequently undertaken at the site, with staff actively participating in the removal of accumulated litter and waste, thereby contributing to the transformation of the identified vulnerable point into a cleaner and more hygienic area. Around 100 staff members and trainees participated. Plastic, thermocol and other waste materials were collected from the institute premises and adjoining areas, including the beach area. The activity highlighted the importance of maintaining clean institutional and public spaces through collective action.
On 20 September 2026, the Social Science Division of ICAR-CPCRI & Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kasaragod, organised a sensitization programme on maintaining clean farm and household surroundings and converting farm waste into valuable compost. Staff of CENDECT, farmers from Theni district, Tamil Nadu, and educated youth from Kasaragod participated in the programme. The programme focused on bridging the gap between policy and practice through localized waste-management and composting units, door-to-door awareness on waste segregation, and sustainable recycling practices.
On 21 September 2026, ICAR-CPCRI Regional Station, Kayamkulam, conducted a Swachhata Hi Seva campaign at Azheekkal Beach, Alappuzha District, to promote cleanliness, the message of Swachh Bharat and adherence to the Green Protocol. ICAR-CPCRI staff actively participated in the cleanliness drive, collecting plastic and other waste from the beach premises. Visitors and the general public were sensitized on proper waste disposal and the need to reduce plastic pollution. A dustbin was also installed at the beach to facilitate responsible waste disposal and encourage sustained cleanliness through community participation.
A campus-wide cleanliness activity was conducted on 22 September ICAR-CPCRI Kasaragod Agrostology Unit and the Farmers’ Hostel area. Around 98 Scientific, Technical, Administrative, Contractual, Scheme, SCSP/TSP and farm personnel participated in the programme. The activity included cleaning of common areas, toilets and surrounding premises, as well as attention to proper waste segregation and disposal. The programme reinforced the importance of maintaining hygienic surroundings through regular and collective participation.
On 23 September 2026, ICAR-CPCRI Regional Station, Vittal, conducted a Swachhata Hi Seva awareness programme at Government School, Chandalike, Vittal, Karnataka, focusing on Jan Bhagidari, cleanliness and sustainable waste management. Dr. M. K. Rajesh, Head, ICAR-CPCRI RS Vittal, sensitized students on personal hygiene and maintaining clean surroundings, while Dr. Bhavishya, Senior Scientist, highlighted the conversion of organic waste into nutrient-rich manure. As a practical component, ICAR-CPCRI established a vermicomposting unit at the school, with active participation of students in its installation and operation, promoting hands-on learning and long-term adoption of organic waste recycling practices.
A Swachhata Samvad was organised by ICAR_ CPCRI Kasaragod and KVK Kasaragod in collaboration with Mogralputhur Grama Panchayat on 24 September 2026 at the Panchayat Hall, with 52 participants representing the Panchayat, Haritha Karma Sena, and Kudumbashree,(SHGs). The programme focused on waste segregation, composting, recycling and conversion of organic waste into useful resources, including vermicomposting of coconut waste. Discussions also covered public-bin management, waste management at commercial establishments, street-level cleanliness, mobilisation of self-help groups and development of the most litter-prone street as an “Ideal Clean Street.” The programme highlighted the importance of Panchayat–KVK–community collaboration for sustainable waste management and a cleaner local environment
As part of Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 at ICAR-CPCRI, Regional Station Vittal, Dr. Nagaraja N.R., Senior Scientist, delivered a brief presentation on the life and teachings of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya on 25.09.2026. He highlighted Upadhyaya’s simple lifestyle, dedication to society, Integral Humanism, and values of selfless service, discipline and social responsibility. The relevance of these values to Swachhata Pakhwada was emphasised, particularly in promoting cleanliness, environmental responsibility, waste reduction and active community participation.
A cleanliness and awareness drive was conducted on 26 September at ICAR-CPCRI, Kasaragod, and the area adjoining the railway track. The activity focused on identifying litter-prone locations and removing accumulated waste from public and institutional surroundings. A particularlylitter-prone area in front of the CPCRI Kendriya Vidyalaya was identified, and separate bins for biodegradable waste and plastic waste were installed to facilitate proper waste segregation and disposal. The activity also served to sensitise staff, students and the surrounding c ommunity regarding responsible waste disposal.
As part of the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2026 and in observance of World Tourism Day, ICAR-CPCRI organized a cleanliness and awareness drive on 27 September 2026 at the Kottapuram Houseboat Terminal, Nileshwar, Kasaragod, under the theme “Clean Tourist Destinations.” Around 35 scientific, technical, administrative and contractual staff members participated in cleaning the terminal waterfront, walkways and boat boarding areas. Plastic and solid waste were collected and segregated for proper disposal, while awareness was created among houseboat operators, tourists and local vendors on reducing single-use plastics, waste segregation and maintaining clean tourist destinations. The initiative highlighted the importace of collective civic responsibility in protecting the backwater ecosystem and promoting sustainable tourism.
As part of the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2026, ICAR-CPCRI Regional Station, Kayamkulam organized activities on the theme “Swachhata Se Samriddhi”, promoting the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Competitions on “Kabaad Se Jugaad” and “Kabaad Se Kala” were conducted for trainees and contractual staff to encourage creative reuse of waste materials and promote the concept of “Waste is Wealth.” A separate competition for staff recognized their initiatives to reduce, reuse and recycle plastics during January–September 2026. The exhibits were displayed for office staff and 40 B.Tech. students from St. Thomas College of Engineering, Chengannur, who were sensitized by Dr. Regi Jacob Thomas, Head, ICAR-CPCRI RS Kayamkulam, on cleanliness, waste segregation, reduction of single-use plastics and sustainable waste management. The programme highlighted the importance of resource conservation and responsible waste management in promoting a cleaner and sustainable environment. Dr. Merin Babu, Senior Scientist, coordinated the programme.
As part of the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2026, ICAR-CPCRI Research Centre, Kidu, organized cleanliness, sanitation awareness and community engagement activities at the Centre and Bilinele village, promoting Swachhata, responsible waste management and the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse and Recycle under Mission LiFE. An awareness session was organized with the participation of Smt. Deepa Nair (IFS), CEO, Coconut Development Board, who emphasized the importance of collective responsibility, proper waste disposal and the adoption of sustainable environmental practices. A Waste-to-Art Selfie Point, created using discarded plastic bottles and other waste materials, was inaugurated by Smt. Deepa Nair. A human chain was organized at Bilinele village to create awareness on cleanliness and sanitation, followed by a cleanliness drive at the school, bus stop, temple and Gram Panchayat premises. The programme effectively promoted community participation and demonstrated practical approaches to waste reduction, reuse, recycling and maintaining clean and sustainable surroundings.
As part of the Swachhata mission, a Free Eye Health Check-up Camp was organised at ICAR-CPCRI Kasaragod on 30 September 2026 in collaboration with Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Mangalore. Around 120 persons participated in the programme. The programme provided an opportunity for staff and participants to access eye screening and professional medical advice through a single-window eye health check-up facility, thereby extending the concept of Swachhata to personal health and well-being.
The Valedictory Function of Swachhata Hi Seva–2026 was organised at ICAR–CPCRI, Kasaragod, on 1 October 2026. The programme was presided over by Dr. K. B. Hebbar, Director, ICAR–CPCRI. The Hon’ble MLA, Kasaragod, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and appreciated the initiatives undertaken by ICAR–CPCRI, highlighting the importance of institutional and community participation in maintaining clean and sustainable surroundings. As part of the programme, 10 best contractual field workers and three outstanding field-oriented technical personnel were felicitated in recognition of their dedicated service and valuable contributions to the Institute and Swachhata initiatives. The programme concluded with the ceremonial planting of Thespesia populnea in the beach block by the Hon’ble MLA, symbolising the Institute’s continued commitment to environmental conservation and coastal sustainability.
In connection with Gandhi Jayanti, a cleanliness and public awareness drive was conducted in ICAR-CPCRI Kasaragod at Residential Campus and adjoining Chowki area. At 8:30 a.m., around 60 Scientific, Technical, Administrative and Contractual staff members participated in a cleanliness rally covering the Chowki bus stops, autorickshaw stand, area near the mosque, under the overbridge and surrounding shops. Carrying the banner “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag: Swachh Bharat Viksit Bharat,” the participants collected litter and sensitised the public on responsible waste disposal, followed by cleaning, segregation and proper disposal of waste within the Residential Campus. As part of the environmental component of the campaign, 150 planting materials of Thespesia populnea, provided by the Social Forestry Division, Kannur, were planted in two rows along the beach block. Well adapted to sandy and saline coastal conditions, the species helps bind and stabilise sand, reduce wind action and trap drifting sand, thereby contributing to coastal erosion mitigation and long-term ecological restoration of the site.
The Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign at ICAR-CPCRI witnessed active participation from Scientific, Technical, Administrative, Contractual, Farm and Scheme staff, trainees, school children and members of the local community. The campaign extended beyond routine cleanliness activities and incorporated public awareness, waste segregation, community engagement, health awareness, environmental conservation and coastal restoration.
The activities undertaken across the institute, residential campus, regional station, research centres and adjoining public areas demonstrated the importance of collective participation in maintaining clean, healthy and sustainable surroundings. The interaction with the Panchayat and local community further strengthened the institute’s commitment to taking the Swachhata message beyond its institutional boundaries.
The campaign also emphasised that Swachhata is a continuous responsibility rather than a one-time activity. Through sustained participation, proper waste segregation, responsible disposal, environmental stewardship and community involvement, ICAR-CPCRI reaffirmed its commitment to the vision of “Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat.”
Important
Notifications
Notifications 1
Swachatha pledge at CPCRI Kasaragod 
Selfi point 
Swachhatha Rally