Tag: Swachh Bharat

EduConnect

ATAL Nirnay – Goa Codes 2026: CARES Leads Goa’s Green Innovation Movement

Tanisha Cardozo

“ATAL Nirnay – Goa Codes 2026” has emerged as a significant student-driven initiative aimed at addressing pressing environmental challenges in the State, particularly those related to pollution and waste management. Conceptualised with the philosophy that meaningful change begins with responsible individual decisions, the competition encourages students from Classes VI to IX to actively participate in environmental transformation through innovation, technology, awareness and community engagement.

The 28-day structured challenge commenced on February 2, 2026, with statewide orientation sessions for Heads of Institutions. The format recognises that building sustainable habits requires consistent effort, encouraging long-term waste segregation practices, environmental accountability and community awareness rather than one-day activities. The focus extends beyond participation to nurturing lasting environmental values among students.

The competition integrates eco-awareness, robotics and innovation through five structured events: the Smart Waste Solution Challenge, Garbage Awareness Campaign from Home to Community, Clean Goa Action Drive, Digital Awareness Campaign, and Study and Documentation. Students identify real waste management challenges, design innovative models and prototypes using Robotics Hardware Kits provided under the CARES scheme, conduct awareness initiatives and document measurable environmental impact.

The initiative is organised by the Project Management Unit under the CARES Scheme of the Directorate of Technical Education Goa, in association with Goa Waste Management Corporation. A total of 688 teams from schools across Goa have registered, reflecting widespread participation and enthusiasm. GWMC is facilitating infrastructure for waste collection during cleanliness drives and will coordinate on identified “Black Spots” where waste frequently accumulates, ensuring student activities connect directly with governance mechanisms.

Mentorship support is being provided by Teach for Goa Fellows, who are guiding schools with technical assistance and coordination. Teachers and students have been trained in the use of Robotics Hardware Kits to develop practical eco-tech solutions, effectively blending environmental awareness with technological skill development.

Attractive cash prizes have been announced to encourage active participation. State-level winners will receive ₹50,000 for first place, ₹40,000 for second place and ₹30,000 for third place, with additional consolation and taluka-level awards. The prize money will be awarded to the respective schools.

ATAL Nirnay represents a grassroots movement aimed at fostering positivity and cleanliness across Goa, beginning from homes, classrooms and neighbourhoods. By reinforcing the idea that small individual actions can generate extraordinary community impact, the initiative aspires to cultivate a culture of sustainability, responsibility and innovation across the State.

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JCI Mapusa Leads Cleanup Drive at Shree Bodgeshwar Temple Ground

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

JCI Mapusa, in collaboration with the Mapusa Municipal Council, Responsible Earth Foundation and YIMBY, organised a cleanup drive on January 16, 2026, at the Shree Bodgeshwar Temple Ground in Mapusa. The initiative began early at 7 am and aimed at promoting cleanliness, environmental responsibility and community participation.

A total of 20 members actively took part in the drive, demonstrating strong volunteer spirit and civic engagement. During the cleanup activity, more than 20 bags of dry waste were collected from the area, contributing to a cleaner and safer public space for residents and visitors.

The drive formed part of JCI Mapusa’s ongoing efforts to encourage sustainable practices and raise awareness about waste management at the grassroots level. Volunteers worked together to segregate and collect dry waste, reinforcing the message that collective action plays a vital role in protecting the environment.

Organisers expressed satisfaction with the enthusiastic participation and support received from all collaborating organisations. The cleanup drive not only helped restore cleanliness at the temple ground but also served as a reminder of the shared responsibility citizens have towards maintaining public spaces and safeguarding the environment.

EduConnect

PM SHRI GHS Morpirla Marks Gandhi & Shastri Jayanti with Tributes, Cultural Events & Cleanliness Drive

Tanisha Cardozo

PM SHRI GHS Morpirla observed the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri with a vibrant and meaningful celebration that united students, teachers, and parents in a spirit of respect, reflection, and responsibility. The commemorative event began with floral tributes paid to both leaders by Headmistress Maria Murena Miranda, who addressed the school community with an inspiring message urging students to internalize and live by Gandhiji’s ideals of peace, non-violence, harmony, and brotherhood.

Students participated enthusiastically in the celebration, with many arriving dressed as Mahatma Gandhi, evoking the timeless simplicity and strength of the Father of the Nation. Cultural dances and performances captured the essence of Gandhian philosophy and added a touch of joy and liveliness to the occasion.

In keeping with Gandhiji’s vision of cleanliness as a cornerstone of national development, the school organized a cleanliness drive around the campus. Students and staff actively participated in the effort, reinforcing the message of responsibility toward the environment and community. The day also featured a special exhibition created by students, showcasing Gandhian values, historical insights, and the life stories of both Gandhi and Shastri.

These celebrations served not only to remember two of India’s greatest leaders but also to educate young minds on the importance of values-based living, civic responsibility, and national pride. Events like these remind us of the powerful role schools play in shaping the moral and ethical compass of the next generation.

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Goa Tourism Hands Over 20 Refurbished Public Toilets to Sulabh for Better Sanitation at Tourist Spots

Tanisha Cardozo

On 4th September 2025, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, took a major step toward enhancing public sanitation by handing over the operation and maintenance of 20 refurbished public toilets across key tourist destinations to Sulabh International Social Service Organization (SISSO). This initiative is closely aligned with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Goa’s long-term vision for sustainable tourism and improved public infrastructure.

Previously developed under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), the 21 public convenience blocks spanned prominent tourist zones including Ashwem, Morjim, Anjuna, Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Panaji KTC Bus Stand, Siridao, Margao KTC, Colva, Benaulim, Sernabatim, Fatrade, Varca, Cavelossim, Mobor, and Palolem. However, these facilities had been under the operational charge of M/s. Akatva Speciality Services Pvt. Ltd. since 2021.

Despite initial expectations, the performance of the operator fell significantly short. Issues ranged from non-maintenance and delays in constructing new toilets to a complete lack of surveillance and non-payment of license fees. This led to the termination of the agreement by GTDC in June 2024, following legal proceedings where the operator also failed to fulfill interim arbitration conditions. GTDC subsequently repossessed all 20 toilet blocks, secured the sites through official panchanamas, and arranged for temporary security to prevent further degradation.

In response to growing tourist demand and the importance of clean sanitation facilities in a coastal destination like Goa, the government took swift action to refurbish the facilities and hand over their upkeep to Sulabh International—a nationally recognized organization known for its expertise in public sanitation. The toilets located at high-traffic areas such as Baga, Colva, Morjim, Siridao, Sernabatim, Varca, Mobor, Cavelossim, and Fatorda are now operational under a “pay and use” model managed by Sulabh. In one unique instance, the Candolim panchayat has been entrusted with refurbishing and managing the toilet block in their jurisdiction.

The handover is initially set for a period of three months and may be extended for another three months based on performance and outcomes. This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment not only to maintaining hygienic public spaces but also to creating a positive impression for both domestic and international tourists visiting the state.

By ensuring that these essential services are managed by capable hands, Goa is reinforcing its position as a clean, safe, and sustainable tourism destination, while setting a model for effective public-private partnerships in infrastructure management.

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Panaji Declared Cleanest City in India (50k–1L Category) at Swachh Survekshan 2024–25

allycaralgoa

In a landmark moment for Goa, the city of Panaji has been honoured as the Cleanest City in India in the 50,000–1,00,000 population category at the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2024–25. The awards ceremony took place at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, and the title was conferred by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji.

This prestigious award underscores the outstanding work done under the Swachh Bharat Mission in Panaji, including consistent efforts in door-to-door waste collection, scientific waste treatment, and attaining Garbage-Free City certification.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant expressed pride in Panaji’s achievement, stating it is a reflection of the government’s long-standing commitment to sustainable urban development. He congratulated all the officials, teams, and residents who made it possible.

Mayor Rohit Monserrate also shared his gratitude and reiterated the importance of citizen participation, enforcement of waste segregation, and the future goal of making Panaji a zero-waste city.

This achievement stands as a beacon of what committed governance, community effort, and a shared vision for cleanliness can accomplish. As Goa moves toward a Swachh and Viksit Bharat @2047, Panaji’s success sets a benchmark for other cities aiming to transform their urban landscapes.

The Panaji Municipal Corporation, along with active involvement from residents, sanitation workers, and various civil bodies, continues to innovate and inspire with best practices in waste management and sustainable city planning.

This award belongs to every Goan who believes in keeping our home beautiful, clean, and green.