Pune: The Pune Zilla Parishad has introduced a unique initiative to honor families who maintain exemplary cleanliness in and around their homes. The campaign, titled “Swachh Majhe Angan” (Clean My Yard), aims to create a mass movement for cleanliness in rural areas under the Swachh Bharat Mission. Families meeting specified cleanliness standards will be awarded certificates of appreciation during the Republic Day Gram Sabha celebrations.

Campaign Details

The campaign, which began on January 1 and will run until January 20, is focused on promoting sustainable cleanliness practices at the household level. Key evaluation criteria include:

• Regular use and maintenance of personal toilets.

• Daily cleaning and usage of toilets by all family members.

• Segregation of household waste into wet and dry bins.

• Composting segregated waste through household or community compost pits.

• Proper management of wastewater through personal soak pits or other methods.

A verification process will take place from January 21 to January 24, during which the village water and sanitation committee will inspect homes for compliance. Certificates will be distributed to qualifying families on January 26.

Campaign Objectives

The initiative aims to foster sustainable waste and wastewater management practices while inspiring others in the community to adopt similar habits.

Appasaheb Gujar, Deputy CEO of the Zilla Parishad’s Water and Sanitation Department, encouraged families to actively participate, stating, “We urge families to join this campaign, practice scientific waste and wastewater management at the household level, and help keep their homes, surroundings, and villages clean.”

Implementation Overview

• Campaign Period: January 1–20

• Verification Period: January 21–24

• Certificate Distribution: January 26 (Republic Day)

• Targeted Villages: 1,831