From October 2 to 31, 2025, the Indian government’s nationwide Swachhata (cleanliness) campaign achieved a record-breaking ₹800 crore in revenue through scrap sales—exceeding the ₹615 crore cost of the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission. This fifth round involved 84 central ministries and departments auctioning obsolete assets, unauthorized materials, outdated files, and scrap, turning clutter into fiscal gains.
Key Achievements:
- Space Reclamation: Freed up 232 lakh square feet (2.32 million sq ft) of cluttered public and office spaces, equivalent to over 20 football fields, enhancing efficiency and reducing storage costs.
- File Disposal: Discarded 29 lakh (2.9 million) obsolete physical files, streamlining administrative processes and promoting digital governance.
- Economic Impact: The ₹800 crore haul could fund seven Vande Bharat Express semi-high-speed trains (each costing ~₹115 crore), boosting rail infrastructure and symbolizing “trash to treasure.”
Broader Context: Launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for sustainability, this drive builds on four prior rounds, amassing a cumulative ₹4,100 crore from scrap sales since inception. It aligns with Swachh Bharat Abhiyan goals, cutting landfill waste by 20-30% in targeted areas, fostering recycling, and generating employment in waste management sectors.
Environmental & Social Benefits: Beyond revenue, the initiative curbs pollution from improper disposal, promotes circular economy principles, and instills public awareness on responsible waste handling. It exemplifies how targeted governance can yield triple wins: economic (₹800 Cr+), environmental (reduced emissions), and social (cleaner public spaces).
This success underscores India’s shift toward innovative resource utilization, positioning it as a global model for sustainable development.