The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Government of Nagaland, observed Swachh Bharat Diwas and the culmination of Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 at the Office of the Chief Engineer, PHED, Kohima, on October 2.
The programme was graced by Minister for Public Health Engineering and Cooperation, Jacob Zhimomi as the Guest of Honour. The programme was attended by the Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, PHED, senior officers of the Department, officers from the Directorate and field divisions, and representatives from other departments and organisations. The programme was held as the culmination of the SHS 2026 campaign, observed from September 17 to October 2 under the theme “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag; Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat.”
During the campaign, PHED divisions across the State undertook a range of activities focusing on community participation, cleanliness, waste management, youth engagement and the welfare of sanitation workers.
Some notable initiatives included waste-to-wealth activities in Dimapur Rural, where discarded materials were transformed into useful products including plastic bricks, recycled tyre furniture, brooms, flower beds and cloth bags. A discarded motorcycle was also converted into a waste collection vehicle.
In Tuensang, medical camps were conducted for Safai Mitras and sanitation workers, providing preventive health check-ups. In Medziphema, students participated in cleanliness activities, learnt to make bamboo dustbins and were encouraged to take up the role of Swachhata Ambassadors.
The campaign also saw innovative community participation. Noklak organised a community Tug of War to promote teamwork, community responsibility and awareness on four-way waste segregation, while Phek conducted a cleanliness and awareness drive at Glory Peak, promoting clean and sustainable tourism.
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As part of the culmination programme, awards were presented under two categories—Swachhata Champion and Best Performing ODF Plus Model Village.
Congratulating the awardees, Jacob Zhimomi, Minister for Public Health Engineering and Cooperation, said that sanitation is a lifelong priority that requires continuous strengthening and renewed efforts to ensure that its benefits reach even the remotest villages of the state. He noted that the state is moving in the right direction and called for greater coordination among the divisional offices to realise the vision of a Swachh Bharat.
He also emphasised the need for behavioural change and a shift in the mindset of the people, stressing that such changes are essential for the state to progress and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The programme concluded with appreciation to the PHED divisions, Village Councils, WATSAN committees, sanitation workers, schools, youth groups and citizens who contributed to the successful conduct of SHS 2026.
The event was followed by a tree plantation and cleanliness drive under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.”
