A series of awareness programmes and cleanliness drives were carried out across multiple locations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands during the Swachhata Pakhwada campaign, with the One Stop Centre (OSC) under the Directorate of Social Welfare leading the initiative. The activities, conducted between March 1 and March 15, focused on promoting hygiene, sanitation, and community participation.
The campaign covered a wide geographical spread, with events organised in both urban and semi-urban areas. Awareness sessions were held at Anganwadi centres and community halls, while cleanliness drives were conducted at several public spaces, reflecting a coordinated effort to engage different sections of the community.
At Ranchi Basti, an awareness session was organised at an Anganwadi Centre, highlighting the importance of maintaining hygiene in daily life. Similar efforts were undertaken at Nayagaon, where a cleanliness drive was conducted at another Anganwadi Centre, encouraging local participation in maintaining clean surroundings.
Community engagement formed a key component of the campaign, with activities also conducted at the Community Hall in Nayasahar and Junglighat. These drives aimed to instil a sense of responsibility among residents towards maintaining sanitation in shared public spaces.
Special focus was placed on women and adolescent girls through targeted awareness programmes. At Thoratang Nallah, sessions were conducted on personal hygiene, menstrual hygiene management, and sanitation practices. The initiative sought to address critical gaps in awareness and promote healthier practices among participants.
In Calicut, an interaction session was held at the Community Hall, providing a platform for discussion on hygiene-related issues and practices. The campaign also included a plantation drive combined with a cleanliness activity at Namunaghar, reinforcing the link between environmental sustainability and sanitation.
Further outreach was carried out at Gandhi Nagar Gram Panchayat, where participants were educated on proper handwashing techniques, the importance of using sanitary pads, and maintaining overall personal hygiene. These sessions aimed to deliver practical knowledge that could be implemented in daily routines.
The Swachhata Pakhwada campaign is part of a broader effort to promote cleanliness and sanitation through sustained public engagement. By conducting activities across multiple locations, the initiative sought to ensure wider reach and inclusivity, covering different communities and age groups.
Officials indicated that such campaigns are designed not only to create awareness but also to encourage behavioural change. The combination of awareness sessions and hands-on activities, such as cleanliness drives and plantation efforts, is intended to reinforce key messages through direct participation.
The involvement of local communities in these activities highlights the role of collective action in achieving sanitation goals. Public participation remains central to the success of such initiatives, particularly in maintaining cleanliness beyond the duration of the campaign.
While the Swachhata Pakhwada activities have concluded, the emphasis on hygiene and sanitation is expected to continue through ongoing efforts by the Directorate of Social Welfare and associated agencies. The campaign’s outreach across diverse locations reflects an attempt to build sustained awareness and promote healthier living practices across the islands.
