Jammu and Kashmir is charting a new course for institutional sustainability, moving beyond mere compliance to genuine environmental leadership. The Green Campus Initiative , launched under the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0) , isn’t just a program; it’s a statement of intent: to transform the region’s educational and institutional hubs into enduring models of green living.

A Local Mission with Ambitious Scope

What makes this initiative particularly compelling is its deep local ownership. The monumental task of certifying 1093 campuses was not handed down by a central ministry, but boldly spearheaded by the Housing and Urban Development Department, Jammu and Kashmir. This local drive ensured a powerful, ground-up commitment to the mission.

The entire framework relies on a decentralized network, with all 80 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) tasked with the essential job of auditing and guiding campuses across all 20 districts of the Union Territory.

The initiative’s reach is intentionally broad, treating every bulk waste generator as a vital participant. This includes not just Universities and Schools, but a meticulously quantified group of institutions now held to a higher standard:

• The total number of Green Campuses initially identified was 1057.
• This identification included 271+ Government Offices and 46 Hospitals.
• The net was cast even wider to include high-footfall areas like 152 Restaurants and 10 Parks.
• The list is rounded out by 30 Other Institutions, encompassing religious places, banquets, shopping malls and private institutes.

The Three Pillars of Transformation

The journey from a standard institution to a certified Green Campus is a structured process of change, divided into three crucial phases.

1. The Identification Phase: Setting the Stage

This initial stage successfully identified and enrolled the target 1093 campuses, setting the foundation for the systematic transformation.

2. The Preparatory Phase: A Commitment to Operational Change

This intensive period demanded significant operational and behavioral change. Institutions had to fundamentally rethink their consumption and disposal habits:

• Waste Management: Waste is now mandated to be tracked and segregated into dry and wet streams. To dramatically reduce landfill dependency, institutions implemented on-site processing of wet waste (such as food scraps) through composting.
• Plastic Ban: A total ban on single-use plastic was strictly enforced across all premises.
• Cultural Shift: Students and teachers are now actively directed to bring sustainable items and bottles, making reusability a core part of the institutional culture.

Integrating Sanitation and Art

Beyond waste management, the preparatory phase introduced tangible quality-of-life improvements. The focus on sanitation included a comprehensive plan for toilet improvisation across all campuses:

• Gender-Specific Facilities: Provision of separate toilets for male and female users.
• Cleanliness Standards: Facilities must be clean and well-maintained, equipped with liquid handwash.
• Sanitary Waste Management: Every toilet must have a dustbin, with female washrooms featuring special dedicated bins for sanitary pads.
• Modern Amenities: Crucially, female washrooms were upgraded with the installation of incinerators and vending machines.

Meanwhile, a creative initiative rooted in sustainability took hold: the ‘Waste to Art’ initiative. This was not merely decoration, but a functional and beautiful way to engage institutions:

• Waste to Art Corners: Established after the single-use plastic ban, these corners convert waste materials into educational tools and decorative pieces.
• Green Spaces: The initiative prioritized the creation of institutional green spaces, which feature well-maintained plants, and are decorated and set up using items derived from recycled waste products.

3. The Declaration Phase: Verifying the Change

The final stage begins with a formal Letter of Commitment from campus leadership, formalizing their ownership of the sustainability parameters. This is followed by a self-evaluation, which is then verified through mandatory field visits by the respective ULB and partner teams. Final certification is awarded only upon achieving a score of 75% or higher.The initiative has already delivered its first monumental triumph: Anantnag became the first ULB to successfully declare the campuses within its jurisdiction as Green Campuses. This pivotal milestone validated the viability and success of the entire structured program.

Throughout this process, the IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) Team has played a central and crucial role, ensuring that progress is diligently tracked via daily waste logbooks and that awareness is maintained through consistent education.The ultimate output is far more profound than a certificate. Successful institutions are officially declared Green Campuses, receive their certificate from the ULB, and have their efforts recognized through promotion on SBM-U and ULB social media pages. By successfully transforming the institutions identified as part of the total 1093 campus target , this initiative has ingrained environmental consciousness and practical, sustainable habits across its institutional fabric.

The vital movement for cleaner urban spaces, spearheaded by the “Hamari Safai, Hamara Yogdaan” campaign, continues to gather significant momentum across various Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Following the initial wave of successful sensitization programs, the past few days have seen an intensified, targeted approach, underscoring a deep commitment to not just launch, but truly embed sustainable sanitation practices within our communities.

The real strength of this campaign lies in its focus on collaboration and ground-level training, recognizing that cleaner cities are built by both dedicated staff and engaged citizens.

Empowering the Frontline: Targeted Workshops

A series of highly focused workshops were organized to sharpen the skills and elevate the conduct of the campaign’s core team.

• MC Kokernag hosted a comprehensive workshop for its sanitation workers, drivers, user charge collection teams, and importantly, members of the Resident Welfare Associations (RWA). The focus was clear: mastering proper waste management and ensuring the timely collection of user charges. This holistic approach ensures that the community leadership and the municipal staff are perfectly aligned in their objectives.
  
• MC Reasi conducted an impactful capacity building (CB) workshop for Sanitary Inspectors, Supervisors, Drivers, Helpers and the user fees collection team. Beyond segregation, the training emphasized the critical, often overlooked, soft skills: polite communication with the public and households. Detailed orientation was also provided on the protocols for imposing fines for littering and open dumping, alongside a focus on timely Swachhta Grievance Redressal a crucial step for accountability and public trust.
  
• MC Sopore, through its IEC team, specifically targeted its Drivers and Helpers, reinforcing the principles of source segregation and user charge collection. This session drove home the message that frontline staff are not just collectors, but vital ambassadors who must display respectful behaviour to encourage community participation.
  

Strengthening Community Ownership and Dialogue

The campaign successfully shifted its strategy from general awareness to focused, direct engagement with key community groups, fostering a sense of shared responsibility.

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  In MC Sopore’s Ward No. 18, a crucial meeting brought together members of the Residential Committee and the Market Committee. This was a dedicated forum to discuss and agree upon specific implementation challenges, including waste segregation compliance, user charges, and sweeping schedules. The objective was achieved: enhance community participation and establish clear coordination between residents, traders and the municipal staff.
  
• Hiranagar (Ward No. 8 and Ward No. 9) saw a highly active door-to-door awareness campaign. ULB staff and Swachhata Executives directly engaged with households. The message was simple and practical: the importance of timely payment of user charges, proper source segregation (wet & dry waste), and supporting ongoing Swachhata initiatives. This direct, personal approach is highly effective in driving behavioural change at the household level.
  

The Road Ahead: A Collective Commitment

These recent initiatives highlight a deliberate effort to strengthen on-ground sanitation practices and reinforce the commitment of our Municipal Councils to build cleaner, more responsible cities. By investing in the training of our staff and actively bringing residents and traders into the fold of solution-finding, the “Hamari Safai, Hamara Yogdaan” campaign is truly transforming from a slogan into a sustainable, community-driven movement.The success witnessed in these ULBs is a powerful testament to what can be achieved when municipal dedication meets empowered community participation.

What began as a simple, powerful idea “Cleanliness starts with me” has blossomed  into one of the most heartwarming, community-driven cleanliness movements across Jammu & Kashmir. Under the banner of “Humari Safai, Humara Yogdaan” (Our Cleanliness, Our Contribution), Municipal Bodies, IEC teams and Swaaha IEC have successfully forged a partnership with citizens to revolutionize responsible waste management.

The most remarkable part? The citizens are not just participating; they are leading.

Building Consensus: Residents, Traders and Committees Unite

The movement’s success lies in its ability to bring diverse stakeholders to one table.

In Srinagar’s Ward No. 31 (Chanapora), the SMC and IEC team held a pivotal meeting uniting the Residential Committee and the Market Committee. The conversation was practical and focused on core issues: source segregation, timely user charges and sweeping schedules.

Residents voiced concerns, traders offered suggestions, and, for the first time, both sides established a common ground: Cleanliness is everyone’s collective responsibility. The session concluded with a mutual pledge to cooperate, properly segregate waste, and uphold a higher standard of cleanliness in Chanapora.

Empowering the Frontline: Drivers as “Swachhta Ambassadors”

Recognizing the crucial role of sanitation workers, SMC conducted a specialized awareness session for Drivers and Helpers the team with daily household interaction.

The focus shifted from mere duty to ambassadorship. The session trained them on:

• Following segregation norms diligently.
• Collecting user charges politely.
• Communicating respectfully with households.

Many drivers shared how respectful interactions immediately improved public response. They now view themselves not just as workers, but as confident, responsible Ambassadors of the Swachh Srinagar mission, directly shaping the public’s positive mindset.

Door-to-Door Momentum: Trust Built on Every Step

Across Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) like MC Baramulla (Ward 18), SMC (Ward 31), MC Nowshera, and MC Aishmuqam, the door-to-door drive proved to be the movement’s engine.

This approach was not about distributing dry information; it was about building trust:

• Teams patiently explained the simple steps: separate wet and dry waste, pay user charges, and try home composting.
• In Baramulla, personal conversations built trust, leading many residents to pledge segregation immediately.
• In Nowshera and Aishmuqam, the warmth of the reception was notable households often gathered neighbours so everyone could listen and learn together.

Ground-Level Action: Ownership in Jammu

The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) exemplified the power of ground-level engagement:

• Ward 28 (Bakshi Nagar): JMC teams went directly to residents, explaining the why behind user charges and segregation. Residents felt heard and connected to the mission, confirming that these on-the-ground visits make a real difference.
• Wards 56 & 57 (Gangyal): The campaign transformed into a full-fledged movement. Residents voluntarily stepped forward to guide their neighbours, and many promised to actively support sweeping staff. This became a vibrant model of citizen-driven cleanliness.

In a continued effort to nurture eco-conscious campuses under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0 (SBM-U), the Swaaha IEC Team of Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) carried out a field visit across educational institutions in the city. The visit aimed to assess environmental practices and inspire students and staff to strengthen their green commitments.

The team visited Kendriya Vidyalaya Bantlab, Government Higher Secondary School Bakshi Nagar, Government Higher Secondary School Paloura and May Fair International School. Each institution showcased unique efforts toward sustainability right from waste segregation to student-led plantation drives.

The evaluation revolved around six key parameters: solid waste management, energy efficiency, greenery and plantation, cleanliness and hygiene, environmental education and plastic-free practices. Schools demonstrated responsible waste handling through proper segregation and composting, while several campuses have begun shifting to LED lighting and exploring solar power for basic operations.

Students proudly presented their green corners, herbal gardens, and art projects made from recyclables. At Government Higher Secondary Paloura, an enthusiastic group of eco-club members shared how they monitor waste segregation daily. Similarly, the staff at May Fair International School highlighted their weekly cleanliness drives and pledge against single-use plastic, setting an inspiring example for others. The IEC team interacted with students, emphasizing how small, consistent actions like using reusable bottles, switching off lights, and planting trees can collectively make a big difference. The visit wasn’t just about inspection; it was a learning exchange that celebrated the spirit of ownership and responsibility toward the environment.

In conclusion, the Swaaha IEC Team appreciated the proactive efforts of the schools and colleges and encouraged them to sustain and expand their initiatives. JMC reaffirmed its commitment to support such institutions with continued IEC engagement, awareness sessions and technical guidance under SBM-U. These visits under the Green Campus Initiative are not just evaluations they are milestones in shaping young environmental stewards who will lead Jammu toward a cleaner, greener future.

Jammu Municipal Corporation’s Clean Jammu and Green Jammu Campaign

Jammu, June 12, 2025 What began as a routine plantation drive turned into a vibrant citywide movement when the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) launched a large-scale tree plantation initiative under its visionary CleanJammu and GreenJammu campaign. The mission: to foster a greener, healthier  and more breathable Jammu for generations to come.

Led by the dynamic Commissioner Dr. Devansh Yadav, IAS, the campaign sparked not just a civic activity but a heartfelt movement. His words“A tree planted today is a gift to future generations. Let us unite to build a cleaner, greener and pollution-free Jammu because every plant counts and every action matters” resonated across neighborhoods, schools, offices and community spaces.

Citizens responded with energy and enthusiasm. From schoolchildren clutching saplings with pride to senior citizens nurturing plants outside their homes, Jammu saw green taking root everywhere. Swachhta Influencers, Ambassadors, RWAs, NGOs and media houses joined hands to spread awareness and plant hope.

The launch event itself set the tone, with key dignitaries like Mr. Abdul Sattar (JKAS), Joint Commissioner (Health and Sanitation); Dr. Divya Sharma (VAS); Er. Dharamveer Singh (CTO); DFO Urban Forestry; Ms. Rabia Khan (AFO) and the spirited SWAAHA Team rolling up their sleeves to lead by example. Saplings of indigenous species were carefully planted in parks, road dividers and open spaces turning grey patches into green zones.

What made this drive remarkable was not just the number of trees planted, but the sense of ownership it instilled. Volunteers tagged their trees, pledged to water and protect them and even shared stories on social media, turning the campaign into a citywide celebration of environmental responsibility.

More than just planting trees, the campaign rekindled a sense of community. It reminded everyone that a sustainable future is not just an institutional responsibility it’s a personal one.

As saplings take root and begin to flourish, so does the hope for a more breathable and beautiful Jammu. Through this united effort, JMC has set a powerful example of how civic leadership, when combined with public participation, can truly transform a city’s future.

The seeds have been sown both in the soil and in the hearts of the people.

On June 5 2025 the city of Jammu witnessed more than just a celebration it saw a movement. Under the leadership of the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) World Environment Day unfolded as a series of heartfelt actions bringing together school children sanitation workers students officials and citizens in a collective pledge for a cleaner greener Jammu.

The day began on an inspiring note as hundreds of citizens gathered at the Gujjar Nagar bridge over the Tawi River. There a human chain was formed more than just hands linked together it was hearts united for the planet. The chain was ceremonially flagged off by MLA Jammu East Shri Yudhvir Sethi joined by Deputy Commissioner Jammu Sachin Kumar Vaishya and JMC Commissioner Dr Devansh Yadav. Students held up placards sanitation workers raised slogans and the energy in the air was unmistakably one of hope and change.

The chain didn’t just stop at the bridge it culminated at Maharaja Hari Singh Park with an oath taking ceremony where everyone present reaffirmed their commitment to not litter and to embrace sustainable living. It wasn’t just symbolic it was emotional. For many students it was their first time standing for an environmental cause. For officials it was a chance to connect with citizens on the ground.

The momentum didn’t fade it only grew. Soon after a plantation drive swept across the park. Children and elders alike dug into the soil planting saplings that now stand as green reminders of their promise. Dignitaries officers and citizens all pitched in turning words into action and action into legacy.

In his address the JMC Commissioner emphasized how even small consistent steps like saying no to plastic or disposing of waste correctly can leave a lasting impact. He called upon people to stop polluting water bodies and urged adoption of sustainable waste practices. The Deputy Commissioner echoed this urging people to plant trees and reduce their pollution footprint.

The highlight of the event wasn’t just in the formal addresses but in the genuine participation. Civil society groups school students sanitation champions and JMC teams everyone played their part. Their actions weren’t staged for photos they were real raw and reflective of a community that deeply cares.

Also present were key officers including Environmentalist Retd IFS OP Sharma Joint Commissioner (A) JMC Krishan Lal Joint Commissioner Health and Sanitation Abdul Sattar Health Officer Dr Vinod Sharma Chief Transport Officer Dharameer Singh Animal Welfare Officer Dr Gourav Choudhary MVO Dr Jaswant Singh VAS Dr Divya Sharma VAS Dr Priyanka Malhotra Chief Revenue Officer JMC Sunil Gupta besides a large number of locals and students from educational institutions who were present on this occasion.

This wasn’t just an event it was a story of solidarity. A story where Jammu didn’t wait for change but became the change.

On World Environment Day, June 5, 2025, Anantnag district came alive with action as its urban local body led by Peerzada Mohammad Syed (MLA Anantnag), Suhail Ahmad Malik (CEO, Municipal Council Anantnag), Asadullah (Secretary, MC) and supported by Swaaha Resource Management and Municipal Council Anantnag launched a powerful Plog Run. Joined by NCC cadets, school students and civic officials, this event perfectly blended fitness, community pride and environmental consciousness.

Plog Run – Run with a Purpose

Participants jogged through the main market, collecting litter, turning streets into living awareness canvases. Echoing slogans like “Plastic In, Fabric Out”, they emphasized clean streets and plastic reduction, drawing widespread public attention.

Jute Bags for Plastic-Free Living

To amplify the impact, participants distributed jute bags to local residents making them aware of the harmful effects of polythene use and encouraging sustainable daily habits.

Official Rally & Civic Participation

MLA Peerzada Mohammad Syed and CEO Suhail Malik personally led an awareness march, placing environmental stewardship at the heart of civic governance NCC cadets and school students carried placards, vocalizing the call for reduced plastic, water conservation and afforestation.

Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban Recognition

The Municipal Council’s commitment earned a spotlight in the Swachhta Express weekly series by SBM‑Urban. Anantnag was showcased across social media platforms as a model city actively implementing the Clean India initiative.

Looking Ahead

Anantnag’s Environment Day plog run is more than a one‑day event it marks the beginning of a vibrant, community-driven movement toward a cleaner, greener future. The momentum is set to continue, with hopes for more eco-initiatives, citizen engagement and institutional support. Anantnag district’s Environment Day plog‑run was a holistic triumph melding leadership, youth involvement, public visibility and national-level recognition. It stands as a shining success story in realizing the spirit of the Clean India initiative.

From Rajouri to Kupwara, communities came together not just to run, but to make every step count for the environment.

World Environment Day 2025 witnessed something extraordinary across the length and breadth of Jammu & Kashmir. Streets turned into stages of action as citizens laced up their shoes and picked up waste bags for a cause that unites us all our planet.

A statewide series of Plog Runs a unique blend of jogging and litter collection transformed neighborhoods into hotspots of environmental awareness, physical well-being and civic responsibility.

From the bustling markets of Handwara to the green fields of Udhampur, hundreds joined hands students, municipal workers, sanitation teams and volunteers. This wasn’t just about running; it was about reclaiming our shared spaces with purpose and pride.

At the heart of the initiative were the Swachhta Executives deployed by Swaaha Resource Management, who worked tirelessly to ensure smooth planning, vibrant execution and long-lasting community awareness.

Local Efforts, United Impact

Each town brought its own unique energy to the campaign:

• In Udhampur, the Mini Stadium echoed with cheers as schoolchildren and municipal staff came together for a spirited community run.
• Rajouri’s event drew enthusiastic crowds and was graced by the presence of Hon’ble MLA Mr. Iftikhar Ahmed, with Swaaha teams expertly handling logistics, volunteer coordination and media coverage.
• In Kupwara and Handwara, the streets buzzed with energy. Students, sanitation workers, and forest officials marched together, raising slogans like “Plastic Out, Fabric In” as they wound through the heart of town.

Beyond Plogging: A Day of Green Action

World Environment Day was more than just plogging. Communities across the UT embraced a wide range of climate-positive actions:

• Green Pledge Ceremonies – Citizens came forward to take meaningful oaths to reduce plastic use and adopt sustainable habits.
• Plantation Drives – Fresh saplings were planted, adding life to public spaces and community parks.
• Awareness Rallies – Campaigns promoted the use of cloth bags and highlighted the importance of RRR (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) centers.
• In Langate, creativity met awareness with “Plastic Bhiksha” a door-to-door campaign where volunteers collected plastic waste while educating shopkeepers and households.

A Synchronized Effort Across the UT

What made this year’s campaign truly remarkable was the seamless coordination across towns. Swaaha’s teams went above and beyond mobilizing schools, distributing IEC (Information, Education & Communication) material, aligning timelines and supporting local governance in executing impactful events.

What could have been standalone activities evolved into a statewide environmental movement, built on collaboration, consistency and community ownership.

A Lasting Message

As the sun set on June 5, it left behind more than just cleaner roads and freshly planted trees. It left behind a renewed public spirit a commitment to collective action and sustainable change.

Through plogging, the people of Jammu & Kashmir told a story that resonates far beyond one day:

When community, climate and health come together, real transformation begins.

And perhaps the most powerful takeaway? A reminder that even small acts like picking up a piece of litter while jogging can spark change that ripples across an entire region.

Samba, Jammu & Kashmir – In a heartfelt tribute to nature and community spirit, the banks of the Basantar River witnessed a remarkable transformation. What began as a local cleanliness drive quickly blossomed into a symbol of unity, pride and environmental consciousness for the people of Samba.

Graced by the soulful presence of renowned singer and State Awardee Shri Chajju Singh Kattal and driven by the passionate advocacy of social activist Shri Lucky Sambyal, the initiative was more than just a clean-up it was a call to action, a celebration of shared heritage and a powerful statement on civic responsibility.

River of Heritage, A Flow of Responsibility

The Basantar River holds a special place in the hearts of Samba’s residents. It is more than a water source it’s a witness to local history and a silent keeper of cultural identity. Recognizing this, volunteers from all walks of life including youth groups, community leaders, everyday citizens came together, equipped with gloves, tools and most importantly, a strong sense of purpose.

They cleared heaps of plastic waste, removed debris and breathed new life into the riverbanks. Every wrapper lifted was not just a piece of trash removed, but a small victory in the battle against apathy.

Collective Effort, Civic Backbone

This inspiring event was actively supported by the Municipal Committee Samba, under its broader mission to improve urban hygiene, rejuvenate water bodies and cultivate public participation in Swachhata (cleanliness) initiatives. From installing segregated waste bins to organizing awareness drives and drain desilting operations, the committee has shown consistent commitment to sustainable urban living.

The Basantar River cleanliness drive is just one of many steps in their campaign but its impact was deeply felt. The synergy between civic bodies, social influencers and the public made it a shining example of what true collaboration looks like.

Events like this remind us that the health of our rivers is not the sole responsibility of the authorities. It’s a collective duty and when communities rise with passion, purpose and pride, change becomes not only possible but unstoppable.

The Basantar River now flows with a renewed sense of dignity, thanks to every volunteer who chose action over indifference. The drive has lit a spark in Samba one that will hopefully continue to grow, encouraging more citizens to step forward and safeguard their natural treasures.

Because when people clean with pride, they don’t just change landscapes they change mindsets.

Baramulla, June 2025:
What began as a local initiative soon became a powerful testament to collective action and environmental stewardship in Baramulla. Under the inspiring banner of “Mera Sheher Meri Pehchaan”, the Municipal Council Baramulla, in collaboration with IEC experts and Swachhata Brand Ambassadors, led a transformative cleanup drive along the banks of the Jhelum River one of the region’s most cherished yet ecologically fragile natural resources.

Driven by the shared goal of reclaiming the beauty of the Jhelum and promoting responsible civic behaviour, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation from every section of society. Residents, municipal officials and energetic students from the local Wushu Academy came together, equipped with gloves, brooms and an unwavering sense of duty. Their unified efforts resulted in the removal of heaps of waste and plastic litter, breathing new life into the riverside landscape.

But this initiative went beyond surface cleaning.

Understanding that lasting change requires informed communities, the IEC team hosted a focused capacity-building session during the event. Participants were educated on critical aspects of sustainable waste management such as source segregation, plastic reduction, and eco-friendly disposal practices. The session empowered citizens with the knowledge and tools to become long-term stewards of their surroundings, ensuring that cleanliness becomes a consistent community habit rather than a one-time activity. 

Swachhata Brand Ambassadors played a pivotal role in the drive, serving as inspirational figures for the youth and reinforcing the idea that environmental care begins with personal accountability. Their presence infused the campaign with motivation and direction, helping translate awareness into action.

The cleanup drive not only beautified a crucial stretch of the riverbank but also rejuvenated the community’s spirit of environmental responsibility. It marked a meaningful step in aligning local efforts with the broader goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission, demonstrating that even small-scale, community-led movements can catalyze significant change.

Baramulla’s example proves a simple but powerful truth: when citizens come together with shared purpose and passion, they don’t just clean rivers they reshape the future.