BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 08:The Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) Department of the Odisha government has launched a 15-day statewide Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign, ‘Aainagata Safai, Surakshita Safai’ (Legal Cleaning, Safe Cleaning), across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) from August 7 to 21, 2026.

The campaign is aimed at promoting safe, legal and mechanised cleaning of septic tanks and sewer systems while eliminating hazardous manual scavenging and protecting the dignity, health and safety of sanitation workers.

The initiative is being conducted ahead of theNational Conclave on GARIMA, scheduled for August 22 at the State Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhavan, Bhubaneswar, as part of Garima Day celebrations. The conclave will focus on strengthening the implementation of the Garima Scheme, which seeks to safeguard the rights, welfare and dignity of sanitation workers.

As part of the campaign, ULBs have launched enforcement drives to identify illegal or unregistered cesspool vehicles, seize and penalise them, and facilitate their registration under the prescribed system.

At the same time, citizens, hotels, hospitals and private establishments are being urged to route all septic tank and sewer cleaning requirements through ULBs by calling the toll-free14420 helplineor by engaging ULB-registered Private Service Provider Organisations (PSSOs).

The campaign also highlights the role of Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs), mechanised cleaning equipment and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure that sanitation workers are not exposed to hazardous conditions. The H&UD Department has sanctioned dedicated IEC funds to all ULBs to support implementation of the campaign at the local level.

The 15-day campaign features a series of ward-level and statewide awareness activities. Following its launch on August 7, Swachh Saathis and Ward Officers began door-to-door outreach and distribution of household wall stickers carrying information about the 14420 helpline. Audio messages are also being broadcast through waste collection vehicles.

Hoardings and wall paintings promoting safe cleaning practices have been installed at prominent locations. The campaign also includes sensitisation meetings with PSSOs, video messages from the H&UD Minister and Principal Secretary, and GARIMA branding on licensed cesspool vehicles.

To expand public participation, the department is using social media testimonials from Core Sanitation Workers, local influencers, community radio programmes, youth awareness rallies and ward-level community pledge drives.

The final phase of the campaign will focus on the health and welfare of sanitation workers. Health check-up camps will be organised for Core Sanitation Workers across ULBs, while scholarships will be distributed to support the education of their children.

The campaign will conclude on August 21 with the release of a campaign recap video, a traditional Badakhana community feast and felicitation of frontline sanitation workers and service providers.

The 15-day statewide initiative will culminate in theNational Conclave on GARIMAon August 22 in Bhubaneswar. The conclave is expected to bring together national policy experts, government officials, municipal leaders and Core Sanitation Workers to exchange best practices, promote technological mechanisation and strengthen long-term social security measures for sanitation workers.