Introduction
Indore, a shining beacon of cleanliness in India, has clinched the prestigious title of the cleanest city for the seventh consecutive time in the ‘Swachh Survekshan Awards.’ The honor, bestowed by President Draupadi Murmu, not only reaffirms Indore’s commitment to cleanliness but also elevates it to a global model. Let’s dive into the triumphant details and discover the secrets behind Indore’s remarkable feat.
Indore’s Clean Sweep: A Testament to Dedication
In a resounding declaration of triumph, Indore’s Mayor, Pushyamitra Bhargava, dedicated the award to Lord Ram and lauded the relentless efforts of the city’s residents, workers, officials, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, and Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya. Bhargava’s words resonate with pride, “Indore has now become a global model.”
Former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan echoed the sentiment, celebrating Madhya Pradesh’s continued success in cleanliness and extending congratulations to the entire state for this remarkable achievement.
The Rankings Unveiled
While Indore and Surat secured the top positions, Navi Mumbai claimed the third spot in the overall rankings. The Swachh Survekshan Awards recognized Saswad in Maharashtra as the cleanest city among urban centers with less than 1 lakh population, followed by Patan in Chhattisgarh and Lonavla in Maharashtra.
Varanasi and Prayagraj were honored as the cleanest Ganga Towns, showcasing the diversity of achievements in the Swachh Survekshan Awards. Additionally, the MHOW Cantonment Board in Madhya Pradesh earned recognition as the cleanest cantonment town.
Indore’s Winning Strategy: Ban on Single-Use Plastic
Indore’s journey to its seventh cleanest city title is underpinned by a comprehensive ban on single-use plastic. This progressive step has not only curtailed waste generation but has also set an example for other cities to emulate. The ‘3 R’ philosophy — reduce, reuse, and recycle — forms the cornerstone of Indore’s waste management strategy.
Garbage Collection Revolution
Indore’s success story in waste management is scripted by ‘3 R’ centers, cloth bags, utensil banks, parks crafted from reusable materials, and home composting units. Amit Dubey, Indore Municipal Corporation’s consultant for the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, highlights the city’s daily collection statistics, with 692 tonnes of wet waste, 683 tonnes of dry waste, and 179 tonnes of plastic waste being efficiently managed under different categories.
The waste collection process is meticulous, involving 850 specially-designed vehicles equipped with different compartments for bio-waste items, ensuring seamless garbage collection from households.
Sustainable Waste Management
Indore has not only revolutionized garbage collection but has also implemented a sustainable system for processing and disposal. Dubey emphasizes, “A sustainable system of garbage collection, processing, and disposal has been developed in Indore. The city’s consecutive success in the National Cleanliness Survey is based on this strong foundation.”
Indore’s commitment to cleanliness goes beyond accolades; it is a blueprint for sustainable urban living. As the city basks in the glory of its seventh cleanest city award, it serves as an inspiration for others to follow suit and contribute to the larger goal of a cleaner, greener India. Indore’s triumph is not just a win for the city; it’s a win for the entire nation, showcasing what dedication, innovation, and community participation can achieve in the realm of cleanliness.