Odisha Flags Off 15‑Day Drive for Safe Sanitation Ahead of Garima Day

Bhubaneswar: The Housing & Urban Development Department of Odisha has rolled out a 15‑day Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign titled “Aainagata Safai Surakhsita Safai” from August 7 to 21, 2026.

The initiative aims to promote mechanised, legal septic‑tank and sewer cleaning while eliminating hazardous manual scavenging practices.

The campaign serves as a precursor to Garima Day and the National Conclave on Garima, scheduled for August 22 in Bhubaneswar.

Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the state are conducting enforcement drives, registering cesspool vehicles, and penalising illegal operators.

Citizens, hotels, and institutions are being urged to use official channels such as helpline 14420 or registered PSSOs for sanitation services.

Awareness activities include door‑to‑door campaigns, audio miking, hoardings, wall paintings, social‑media outreach, and community radio broadcasts.

Youth rallies, pledge drives, and testimonials from sanitation workers are also being organised to highlight the importance of safe and dignified sanitation practices.

Post‑campaign measures will focus on worker welfare, including health check‑ups, scholarships for children of sanitation workers, and felicitation ceremonies recognising their contributions.

The campaign underscores Odisha’s commitment to technology‑driven, dignified sanitation and sets the stage for national dialogue at the upcoming conclave.