Special Campaign 5.0 sees 100% target achievement, 57,000 sq. ft. of space reclaimed, and sustainability innovations across cantonments
NFAPost, Bengaluru: The Ministry of Defence has wrapped up its Special Campaign 5.0 with a sweeping display of efficiency, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Spanning the length and breadth of the country, the Department of Defence (DoD) conducted cleanliness drives at 5,377 locations, turning administrative diligence into a nationwide movement for sustainability.
The campaign, which ran in two phases — the Preparation Phase (September 15–30) and Implementation Phase(October 2–31) — achieved 100% disposal of all identified targets, underscoring the Defence Ministry’s commitment to the Government of India’s Swachhata (cleanliness) mission.
“This was not just about cleaning spaces — it was about transforming mindsets,” said a senior Defence official. “From modernizing file management to reclaiming physical spaces, the campaign reflects our push toward sustainable governance and operational efficiency.”
Efficiency Meets Impact
Under Special Campaign 5.0, the Department reviewed 59,561 physical files, weeding out over 11,400 redundant records to streamline administrative processes. Obsolete office and IT equipment were auctioned off, generating ₹10.01 lakh in revenue, while the decluttering of offices freed up an impressive 57,648 sq. ft. of workspace.
In addition to improved cleanliness and organization, the Department addressed all pending MP/VIP references and public grievances on CPGRAMS, and successfully simplified 25 official rules and procedures.
Cantonments Lead by Example
The campaign’s most striking outcomes emerged from India’s cantonment boards, many of which embraced the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” mantra in creative ways:
- Barrackpore Cantonment Board transformed an unused dumping ground into the Barrackpore Heritage Grove, a 2,500 sq. ft. rose garden now serving as a community landmark.
- Secunderabad Cantonment Board launched a “Waste to Wonder Park”, where discarded materials were turned into art installations and functional park features.
- Delhi Cantonment Board piloted the SMART (Swachhata Monitoring & Automated Reporting Tool), introducing digital tracking for cleanliness and reporting efficiency.
“Our cantonments are not just military enclaves anymore; they’re model communities for green urban innovation,” noted a senior civic officer from the Secunderabad Board.
Innovation Beyond Cleanliness
The campaign’s reach extended to technical and engineering frontiers as well. The Border Roads Organization (BRO)implemented an advanced “Geo Grid” construction methodology on the Lukung–Chartse Road under Project Himank — a move expected to improve road durability in extreme Himalayan conditions.
Meanwhile, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Darjeeling installed 52 solar water heaters across its campus, aligning with its commitment to renewable energy and sustainable mountain practices.
A Pan-India Defence Effort
Special Campaign 5.0 was implemented across a wide spectrum of defence institutions — from administrative bodies like the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) and Canteen Stores Department (CSD), to training and adventure institutes such as the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (Uttarkashi), National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh), and Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports (Pahalgam, J&K).
The campaign also engaged the Directorate General of Armed Forces Medical Services, Directorate General of National Cadet Corps, Indian Coast Guard, and Sainik Schools Society, ensuring a truly national footprint across the Defence ecosystem.
Towards a Cleaner, Greener Defence Sector
With Special Campaign 5.0, the Ministry of Defence has not only met its targets but set a precedent for sustainable governance and community-driven environmental stewardship.
As the Defence establishment turns its attention to operational readiness and modernization, its success in this campaign stands as a reminder that cleanliness and discipline are two sides of the same coin — both essential to national strength.
“Clean surroundings inspire clean action,” said an official from the Department. “And clean action is what defines a strong, responsible nation.”
