The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, is actively observing Swachhata Pakhwada 2025, reaffirming its commitment to environmental sustainability and cleanliness in scientific institutions. The fortnight-long campaign, aligned with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, is being celebrated from May 1 to May 15, 2025, across all DBT-attached and autonomous institutions throughout India.
The observance includes a variety of activities, both on campus and in surrounding communities, with a focus on promoting hygiene, sanitation, eco-conscious scientific research, and citizen responsibility.
Nationwide Participation by DBT Institutions
All major DBT-funded institutions, including National Institute of Immunology (NII), Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), and several biotechnology research parks actively participated in the campaign.
Key initiatives undertaken include:
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Cleanliness drives within and outside institutional campuses
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Plastic-free campus campaigns
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Tree plantation and green lab awareness
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Workshops and lectures on sustainability and laboratory waste management
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Awareness rallies and Swachhata pledges among students, researchers, and staff
Special emphasis was given to encouraging waste segregation, responsible disposal of biomedical waste, and integrating biotechnology-led solutions for sustainable development.
Leadership Speaks
Senior officials from DBT reiterated that scientists and researchers have a dual role to play—not only in innovating for national progress but also in demonstrating responsible environmental behavior.
Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DBT, stated:
“Science is incomplete without sustainability. The observance of Swachhata Pakhwada helps us reflect on our responsibilities beyond the laboratory, ensuring our scientific pursuits are aligned with the environmental needs of society.”
He further encouraged the adoption of clean lab protocols, reduction of plastic use in research, and the development of biotechnological tools for waste treatment, bio-toilets, and biodegradable alternatives.
Community Engagement and Outreach
As part of its outreach effort, several institutions engaged with:
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School students through cleanliness awareness workshops
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Local municipal bodies for joint sanitation initiatives
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Public campaigns on water conservation, hand hygiene, and eco-friendly biotechnology
Many researchers also showcased innovative biotech solutions such as microbial composting kits, bio-remediation tools, and environment-friendly enzymes that support rural sanitation and agricultural waste management.
Digital Campaign and Documentation
To broaden the impact, DBT launched a digital awareness campaign with the hashtags #SwachhataPakhwada2025 and #DBTForCleanIndia, sharing photographs, short videos, and case studies of successful models of cleanliness and waste management within DBT labs.
Each institution was also encouraged to maintain a Swachhata logbook, documenting all activities with before-and-after photographs and outcome summaries, which will be evaluated by the Ministry.
