The National Zoological Park (NZP), New Delhi, observed Swachhata Pakhwada from June 1 to June 15, 2026. The campaign integrated the Swachh Bharat Mission and Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) to promote sanitation, behavioral change, and environmental stewardship within urban wildlife spaces.
Key Campaign Objectives and Initiatives
- Environmental Stewardship: Educating citizens on minimizing plastic footprints and sustainable waste management in ecological zones.
- Behavioral Change: Curbing littering and single-use plastic disposal in sanctuaries and zoological enclosures.
- Key Events: Included mass pledges, painting competitions for students, “Nukkad Nataks” on hygiene, and insect ecology awareness programs.
- Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam: As part of the June 5 (World Environment Day) celebrations, a plantation drive was conducted to expand green cover.
- Operational Protocols: Implemented “Plogging” drives (physical fitness combined with cleaning) and the disposal of obsolete institutional assets via public auction.
- Ecosystem Conservation: Focused on aquatic ecosystem cleaning to safeguard wetlands from non-biodegradable waste.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- Administrative Control: NZP, New Delhi (est. 1959), functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- Swachhata Pakhwada: Launched in April 2016; it mandates every ministry/department to dedicate specific fortnights to institutional sanitation.
- Mission LiFE: Introduced at COP26 (2021); co-managed by NITI Aayog and MoEFCC.
- Regulatory Compliance: Wetland restoration works adhere to Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.