The Central Horticultural Experiment Station (CHES), ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bhubaneswar observed Swachhta Pakhwada from 16th to 31st December 2025 with the theme “Swachhata is Everyone’s Business.”

The programme commenced on 16th December 2025 with the Swachhta Pledge taken under the chairmanship of the Director, IIHR, Bengaluru, followed by cleaning activities at the CHES nursery premises.

On 17th December, under the activity “Converting Waste to Wealth,” a demonstration programme was organized for women from the nearby Subash Nagar Basti on recycling and value addition of waste materials. On 18th December, cleanliness drives were conducted in office premises, corridors and the Central Laboratory.

On 19th December, the CHES Bhubaneswar team undertook cleaning of the front area of the main gate under the programme “Cleanliness and Sanitation Drive within the Campus and Surroundings.” As part of community development activities, cleanliness drives were also carried out at the historical tourist sites of Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves on 22nd December 2025.

Kisan Diwas was celebrated on 23rd December 2025 at village Sarakana, Balipatna, Khordha district. Awareness programmes along with distribution of planting materials were conducted, followed by a cleanliness drive near the village temple and pond area involving villagers and CHES staff.

Under the activity “Fostering Healthy Competition,” a drawing competition on Swachhta was organized on 24th December 2025 at Sri Sai Saraswati School, Dumduma, Bhubaneswar, and participating students were awarded artistic mementos.

Campus cleaning activities were undertaken on 26th December, while a Swachhta Rally was organized in the Subhash Nagar Basti area on 29th December to create awareness among the local community. The Swachhta Pakhwada concluded on 31st December 2025 with the invitation of media personnel for wide coverage and press release of the programme.

The Swachhta Pakhwada was coordinated by Mrs. Annapurna Behera, Dr. Satyapriya Singh, Mrs. Suchitra Behera and Shri Abhimanyu Das, with the support of all categories of staff under the supervision of the Head, CHES, IIHR, Bhubaneswar.