Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 29: Cleanliness campaigns under Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 expanded across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands around World Tourism Day, with a district-wide drive covering 26 locations in North & Middle Andaman and separate initiatives at Corbyn’s Cove Beach and Smith Island. The activities focused on reducing litter, promoting responsible waste disposal and involving local communities in protecting public and natural spaces.
In North & Middle Andaman, the campaign was conducted simultaneously across beaches, coastal stretches, Jarawa Protection Posts and Police Outposts. The initiative placed particular emphasis on the coastal and natural landscapes that form an important part of the Islands’ scenic and ecological environment.
At Baludera Beach in Mayabunder, Deputy Commissioner Sushant Padha, IAS, joined the cleanliness exercise with officers and staff from various line departments, the Forest Department and APWD. School students, the Pradhan of Pokkadera and local residents also participated.
The participation brought together government personnel, students and community members at a common public space, while the district administration used the programme to reinforce the need for cleanliness beyond periodic campaigns. Padha said maintaining clean surroundings should extend to beaches and tourist destinations as well as homes, villages, institutions, workplaces and other community spaces.
The involvement of school students also formed a significant part of the Mayabunder programme. Their participation was aimed at building awareness about responsible waste disposal and environmental conservation and encouraging civic responsibility from an early age.
The district campaign also sought to sensitise residents and visitors to the need to keep beaches and coastal areas free of litter, particularly plastic and other waste that can affect marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
In Sri Vijaya Puram, the Sports Authority of India’s Sports Training Centre organised a separate SHS cleanliness drive at Corbyn’s Cove Beach. Athletes, coaches and staff took part in cleaning the beachside area and collecting waste as part of the initiative. The programme focused on environmental awareness, responsible waste disposal and the message of “Clean Beach, Clean Islands.”
The campaign also reached Smith Island, where Gram Panchayat Keralapuram organised a cleanliness drive at Sagardweep in coordination with the Block Development Office, Diglipur. Panchayat representatives, officials, Panchayat staff and local residents participated in the exercise.
At Sagardweep, participants focused on keeping the surrounding area clean and free of litter to support a healthier and more hygienic environment.
Taken together, the activities extended SHS 2026 participation across administrative, institutional and community settings, with beaches and island environments forming the central focus. The programmes brought officials, students, sports personnel and residents into direct cleanliness activities while placing waste management and environmental responsibility at the centre of the campaign.
