Under the Holistic Rural Development Programme (HRDP) supported by HDFC Bank, Prayatn Sanstha organized Swachh Bharat Mission and Cleanliness Awareness Drives at Rahanabelli village in Chilika Block on 10th October 2025 and Sahaspur village in Banapur Block on 15th October 2025 in Khordha district, Odisha. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about cleanliness, hygiene, proper waste management and environmental protection with the active participation of villagers’ local leaders and officials.
The programme began with an energetic cleanliness rally through the villages, where more than 150 villagers, including SHG members, youth, students and local leaders participated enthusiastically. They carried placards and banners highlighting the message of “Swachh Village, Surakshit Village.” Following the rally a village cleaning drive was conducted during which community members cleaned roads, marketplaces and other public areas. Bleaching powder was applied to maintain hygiene and plastic waste and garbage were safely collected for disposal.
To promote sustainable practices fruit saplings were planted at different locations in the villages encouraging people to take responsibility for their upkeep and contribute to environmental protection. Additionally, dustbins were distributed and installed at key places to support proper waste management and discourage littering. These activities not only improved the village environment but also motivated residents to adopt cleanliness as a daily habit.
The event was graced by several dignitaries whose presence inspired the community. Mr. Himanshu Mishra, Branch Manager of HDFC Bank; Mr. Darpa Narayan Behera, Deputy Manager and Mr. Anurag Pattnayak, Assistant Bank Manager participated and extended their support to the initiative. From the local administration, Mr. Arun Pattanayak (Vice Chairman, Chilika), Mr. Dwarikanath Behera (BEO), Mr. Gagan Bihari Behera (ABEO) and Ms. Swornalata Nayak (ICDS Supervisor) attended the programme and emphasized the importance of cleanliness and collective community action.
Adding a cultural touch, children from the villages performed folk songs and traditional dances with messages on hygiene and environmental care making the event lively and educational. The community appreciated the efforts of Prayatn Sanstha and HDFC Bank, expressing their commitment to maintaining cleanliness and continuing these practices in the future.
Through the combined efforts, the Swachh Bharat Mission programme brought visible improvements in both Rahanabelli and Sahaspur villages. With clean surroundings new plantations and accessible waste disposal facilities, the initiative successfully strengthened the spirit of collective responsibility moving closer to the vision of a “Clean Village, Safe Village.”
