Swachhata Pakhwada 2026:

Swachhata Pakhwada 2026: BPCL and SEED Kolkata Lead a Comprehensive Cleanliness and Environmental Campaign in Ghoramara Island

South 24 Parganas, West Bengal | 1–15 July 2026

A two-week Swachhata Pakhwada campaign is being successfully conducted from 1 July to 15 July 2026 on Ghoramara Island in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, with the support of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and under the supervision of SEED Kolkata. The initiative aims to promote cleanliness, hygiene, environmental conservation and sustainable community practices among the climate-affected population of the island.

The campaign commenced on 1 July with a Swachhata and Environmental Protection Oath Ceremony at Raypara School, where around 350 children and adults pledged to adopt cleanliness and environmental protection in their daily lives.

On 2 July, awareness rallies were organised across the six villages of Ghoramara Island. More than 500 school students, teachers, volunteers and NGO representatives participated, spreading messages on cleanliness, hygiene and environmental responsibility throughout the community.

From 3 July to 10 July, large-scale wall paintings carrying messages on Swachhata, hygiene and environmental care were created on panchayat buildings and community centres. Awareness rallies involving ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, panchayat members, volunteers and NGOs were also conducted, reaching approximately 5,000 community members.

A major environmental component of the campaign has been the plantation of fruit-bearing trees in the villages and Casuarina saplings along the river embankments from 4 July to 15 July. This initiative, benefiting nearly 5,500 people, aims to strengthen environmental protection, improve green cover and enhance the resilience of the island against climate change.

On 5 July, special awareness sessions on menstrual hygiene were organised for women across the six villages, benefiting around 2,200 women and promoting health, dignity and hygienic practices.

Between 6 July and 12 July, Swachhata activities were carried out at five Anganwadi Centres, alongside the initiation of renovation work for two primary-school toilets under the theme "Swachh Anganwadis, Sustho Sishu", focusing on WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) and behaviour change. The activities included toilet repairs, installation of handwashing stations, cleanliness drives, and training of Anganwadi workers and mothers' groups as Swachhta Champions, directly benefiting around 700 children and community members.

On 13 July, a community-wide plastic waste collection, segregation and recycling drive was organised across the six villages, engaging nearly 5,500 residents in promoting responsible waste management.

The campaign continued on 14 July with an extensive cleaning drive at local marketplaces and community-centre premises, encouraging collective responsibility for maintaining clean public spaces and benefiting another 5,500 community members.

The Swachhata Pakhwada will conclude on 15 July with the distribution of hygiene kits to approximately 1,800 beneficiaries, reinforcing the importance of personal hygiene and healthy living.

Through this comprehensive initiative, BPCL and SEED Kolkata are demonstrating their shared commitment to environmental sustainability, public health and community empowerment. By combining awareness generation, sanitation improvements, environmental conservation and active community participation, the campaign is making a meaningful contribution towards building a cleaner, healthier and more resilient Ghoramara Island.