Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar has organized a cleanliness activity in line with the nationwide ‘Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta’ drive under the Swachhata Hi Seva Special Campaign 3.0. As part of its commitment towards a clean and garbage-free India, the Institute organized the cleanliness drive in and around Podapada Primary School, Jatani in the adopted village, on 1st October 2023. 

Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director of the Institute, Dr. Rajesh Roshan Dash, Dean (Student Affairs), Shri Bamadev Acharya, Registrar, participated in the drive. Coordinated by the members of the National Service Scheme (NSS), Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) and Horticulture Department of the Institute, this Cleanliness Drive witnessed the participation of the local people in a large number, along with the members of the Institute, including the students and employees. The participants of the drive cleaned the school premises, Argul Melan Ground, and the surrounding areas. More than 150 local people and students actively participated in this cleanliness drive. 

This Swachhata campaign and cleanliness drive was organized with an objective to spread awareness among the citizens and mobilize them to keep the villages, cities and surroundings clean through Jan Bhagidari (Public Participation). It may be mentioned that the Swachhata Hi Seva Special Campaign 3.0 aims at motivating the citizens to continue the practice of cleanliness as a habit and be a part of this Jan Andolan. IIT Bhubaneswar has reiterated its commitment towards the Swachh Bharat Mission with this initiative and in line with the special campaign, will organize various cleanliness activities in and around its campus throughout the month, involving the local people. 

Among others, Dr. Sivaiah Bathula, Coordinator, NSS, Dr. Seema Bahinipati, Coordinator, UBA and Dr. Srikanta Patra, Professor-in-Charge-Horticulture (Academic Area) were also present on the occasion.