Shramdaan & Plantation Drive at Purana Quila, Delhi under Swachhata Hi Seva

As part of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign (17 September – 2 October 2025), the Ministry of Culture organized Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath drive at the historic Purana Quila in New Delhi.

Hundreds of officials from the Ministry and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) participated, focusing on cleaning lawns, surroundings near Humayun’s Gate, removing weeds, litter, and planting saplings.

The drive was inaugurated by the Director General, ASI, and began with a swachhata pledge by participants.

Background & Analysis:

Heritage sites often struggle with encroachment, waste, vandalism, and environmental stress; cleanliness drives can help raise awareness and maintain site dignity.

Engaging officials shows institutional ownership; blending heritage conservation with civic cleanliness is a useful model.

But site conservation requires sustained maintenance, technological solutions (drainage, visitor management), and public cooperation.

Implications / Way forward:

Similar drives can be extended to other monuments, especially those in congested urban zones.

Heritage management authorities should integrate cleanliness and landscaping in periodic budgets and planning.

Public participation, signage, visitor behavior management, and awareness campaigns need to accompany such one-off drives.