Ministry of Steel and PSUs Observe Swachhata Pakhwada Nationwide

03 Apr 2026 CW Team

Ministry of Steel (the Ministry) and public sector undertakings (PSUs) under its administrative control such as SAIL, NMDC, RINL, KIOCL, MOIL, MECON, MSTC, NISST, JPC and BPNSI observed Swachhata Pakhwada from 16 to 31 March 2026 across the country. The campaign followed the calendar released by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation and saw participation by officers and employees at plants and units nationwide. Activities were organised in both ministry offices and industrial townships. The programme aimed to strengthen routine cleanliness and waste management practices.

The pakhwada commenced with administration of the Swachhata pledge in the Ministry and the display of banners and standees at prominent locations to raise awareness. Thorough cleaning of office premises was carried out and a team of officers completed cleanliness inspections of rooms, the library and the record cell. Public sector undertakings organised Steel Safety Day on 28 March and the pakhwada concluded on 31 March with a determination to continue cleaning activities throughout the year.

During the fortnight, the Ministry and its PSUs organised an array of interventions including fire safety drills and workshops on solid waste management. Cleanliness drives reached townships, factory premises, nearby villages, informal settlements and schools managed by the organisations. Awareness programmes were delivered to discourage single-use plastics and to promote segregation of waste at source.

Looking ahead, PSUs under the Ministry are preparing detailed plans for FY 2026–27 under the Swachhata Action Plan to embed environmental sustainability measures. The plans prioritise reducing and removing slag, minimising iron ore fines and recycling gaseous waste for power generation. Officers and employees across the Ministry and PSUs remain committed to implementing the action plan and sustaining cleanliness efforts.

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