New Delhi, November 3, 2025: The Department of Defence (DoD) has successfully completed Special Campaign 5.0, a nationwide cleanliness and efficiency initiative carried out across its offices and establishments from September 15 to October 31, 2025. The drive, which covered 5,377 locations across India, aimed at promoting sustainable practices, improving workplace management, and reaffirming the government’s commitment to the “Swachhata Hi Seva” vision.
The campaign unfolded in two phases — a Preparation Phase (15–30 September) and an Implementation Phase (2–31 October) — and achieved 100 percent completion of its identified targets. The DoD reported comprehensive progress across parameters including file review, grievance redressal, and simplification of administrative procedures.
During the campaign, 59,561 physical files were reviewed, out of which 11,401 obsolete files were weeded out to streamline record management. The department also generated ₹10.01 lakh in revenue through the disposal of outdated office and IT equipment. In addition, 57,648 square feet of office space was reclaimed, creating more organised and efficient workplaces.
Beyond administrative efficiency, Special Campaign 5.0 brought forth numerous examples of innovation, environmental stewardship, and community participation across Defence establishments.
Sustainability Through Innovation
Cantonment Boards across the country integrated the principles of “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle”, showcasing creative models of sustainable transformation. The Barrackpore Cantonment Board turned a former dumping yard into ‘Barrackpore Heritage Grove’, a 2,500-square-foot rose garden symbolising revival and ecological care. Similarly, the Secunderabad Cantonment Board established a “Waste to Wonder Park”, converting discarded materials into striking sculptures and functional installations that promote recycling awareness.
In Delhi, the Cantonment Board implemented the SMART (Swachhata Monitoring & Automated Reporting Tool) on a pilot basis to enable real-time cleanliness reporting and performance tracking.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) introduced an innovative Geo Grid construction methodology for the Lukung–Chartse Road under Project Himank, demonstrating how sustainable engineering can coexist with high-altitude infrastructure development.
In the east, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Darjeeling, installed 52 solar water heaters across its campus, advancing the institution’s commitment to renewable energy and environmental responsibility.
Nationwide Participation Across Defence Ecosystem
The cleanliness initiative extended across the vast network of Defence organisations and training institutions, including the Controller General of Defence Accounts, Directorate General of Armed Forces Medical Services, Directorate General of National Cadet Corps, Indian Coast Guard, and the Sainik Schools Society.
Mountaineering institutes such as the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (Uttarkashi), National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh), Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports (Pahalgam, J&K), and HMI, Darjeeling, also actively participated in the campaign, linking adventure education with environmental stewardship.
Transforming Mindsets Through Clean Governance
The Department of Defence emphasised that Special Campaign 5.0 was not merely an administrative exercise, but a step toward sustainable governance, digital efficiency, and citizen-centric delivery. With all targets accomplished, the campaign has reinforced a culture of discipline, innovation, and ecological responsibility across India’s Defence establishments.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB) – Ministry of Defence
