Inaugural session of the Swachha Bharat Pakhwada, 16-31 October 2016 and World Food Day was held on 15^th October 2016 at 2.30 PM at NIASM, Baramati. Mr. Nilesh G Deshmukh, Chief Officer, Nagar Parishad, Baramati graced the occasion as Chief Guest of the function which was presided by the Dr. N P Singh, Director, ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management.  The Swachha Bharat Pakhwada commenced with lighting of lamp by the Chief Guest and the dignitaries. Dr. M P Brahmane, Senior Scientist welcomed all the dignitaries and introduced the Swachha Bharat Abhiyan and World Food Day to the house. The Chief Guest in his inaugural speech addressed the house on the importance of Swachha Bharat Abhiyan and discussed elaborately on the aims, objectives and various steps involved in the implementation of Swachha Bharat Abhiyan. He emphasized on segregation of domestic waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable bins as a first step towards cleanliness in every household, which will reduce a huge pressure on the municipal bodies in managing domestic waste. He requested all to stop using plastic bags for kitchen waste disposal. He also elaborated on the steps taken to make Baramati 100% free of open defecation for which the Nagar Parishad, Baramati was felicitated by Chief Minister Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra. Dr. N P Singh, Director, ICAR-NIASM emphasized on the issue of self-cleanliness and adoption of clean habits by individuals. He said that cleanliness is a continuous process which beings in the morning and ends before going to bed. He stressed on garbage management through composting and installation of composting units at residential quarters, Guest house and farm area. The programme was anchored by Dr. DD Nangare. Vote of thanks was presented by Dr. M P Brahmane.

The inaugural function was followed by Swachhata Abhiyan conducted at NIASM type IV residential quarters. The premises around the quarters were cleaned by removing Parthenium grass, littered plastic waste, removal of the boulders and stones, and by sweeping roads around the quarters.

All staff of IACR-NIASM including Scientists, SRFs, JRFs, Young Professionals, and Contractual Staff participated in the inaugural function and Swachhata Abhiyan conducted at the Type IV residential quarters of NIASM.