ITANAGAR, October 2, 2026 — Chief Minister Pema Khandu attended the Swachh Bharat Diwas celebration held under the Swachhta Hi Seva 2026 campaign at the State Banquet Hall in Itanagar on Friday. The programme was organised by the Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) to promote cleanliness, sanitation and environmental responsibility among citizens.
The programme began with floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, commemorating his ideals and contributions to the nation. The Chief Minister called upon citizens to uphold Gandhi’s principles of truth, non-violence, simplicity and service in their daily lives.
During the programme, Khandu officially launched the “Swachhta Vahaan”, aimed at taking cleanliness and clean-living awareness campaigns across different sectors. He also administered a cleanliness pledge to students, volunteers and other participants present at the event.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister urged people to take the Swachhta Pledge seriously and contribute 100 hours a year, or around two hours every week, towards cleanliness and sanitation activities. He stressed the importance of public participation in keeping communities clean, healthy and hygienic.
The Chief Minister also urged citizens to follow the path of peace and non-violence advocated by Mahatma Gandhi, while emphasising that maintaining cleanliness requires collective participation and sustained public commitment.
The Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh, speaking on the occasion, said that Gandhi Jayanti should also serve as an opportunity to strengthen the focus on public sanitation. He called upon citizens to pledge to keep their surroundings neat and clean and appreciated the IMC for its initiatives, including the launch of its new mobile application.
Welcoming the gathering, IMC Commissioner Kego Jilen highlighted the significance of the Swachh Bharat Diwas celebrations and appealed to residents of the capital to work towards keeping Itanagar clean and green. He also requested the Chief Minister to enhance the IMC’s budget to meet its growing requirements and improve civic services.
The programme was attended by MLA Techi Kacho, IMC Mayor Likha Neri, Deputy Mayor Tok Tyebin, Deputy Commissioner Capital Complex Toko Babu, students, IMC officials and staff, along with other dignitaries.
As part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, along with participating officers, officials and members of the public, also planted saplings at Itaport, reinforcing the message of environmental conservation alongside the cleanliness campaign.
