Indore has once again clinched the Cleanliness Crown for the seventh consecutive time! But this time, it’s not alone in the spotlight—Surat has also secured its first joint award. Indore led the rankings with the highest scores, even when the survey team visited during rainy days. Despite the weather, the city still appeared immaculate.

During the event held in Delhi, when the cleanest city in the country was announced, the joy in Indore was palpable. Representatives, officials, and employees watching the broadcast on the LED screen at the municipal headquarters were jubilant. Indore residents had yet another reason to take pride in themselves. The theme for the Swachh Survekshan 2023 was “Waste to Wealth,” and among 4,477 cities, Indore and Surat secured the highest scores.

At the ceremony held at 11 a.m., President Dopadri Murmu expressed the importance of ‘Waste to Wealth’ for today’s world. He highlighted that the Swachhata Abhiyan has become a people’s movement, emphasizing the contribution of all towards making our cities clean. Gandhiji’s thoughts and actions on the significance of cleanliness are our heritage.

The second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission focuses on recycling and reusing more items. This theme will continue into 2024, supported by all G-20 nations. A significant portion of our population resides in cities, and many of them face challenges like garbage mountains. Efforts are being made to eliminate these mounds in several cities. Achieving the goal of a ‘Zero Dump Site’ requires public participation, with our youth being crucial stakeholders. They have the power to make India the cleanest country in the coming years.

Minister of Urban Affairs and Housing, Hardeep Puri, stated that today, all urban local bodies in India are open defecation-free, thanks to the Swachhata Mission, which has evolved into a mass movement. The Swachh Survekshan has provided a stringent process and discipline to make our cities clean.

He mentioned that the Swachh Bharat Mission has brought about changes in health, education, and living standards. Cleanliness is not just a one-time effort; it’s a continuous way of life. Cleanliness has brought about a transformation in our lives. Renowned artist Sudarshan Patnaik created a painting on the cleanliness theme, and singer Kailash Kher sang the Swachhata Anthem.

Here’s how Indore has progressed due to these initiatives:

– Beautification efforts for 2024 focused on making Bichhakalon beautiful, with poha parties organized there.
– Zero Waste wards were established, adopting the principles of Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse to create new gardens, intersections, and artworks.
– In many cities, waste is not being collected separately. In Indore, waste is being collected in various ways and reaches the trenching ground directly, making waste disposal easier.
– Emphasis was given to clearing the city’s atmosphere, resulting in lower pollution compared to other cities.

However, Indore faces the following challenges:

– River pollution remains a challenge. Despite spending 500 crores, the Khan River has not been completely freed from pollution.
– Indore still relies on a single trenching ground. It takes a considerable amount of time to transport waste there.
– There is a shortage of wet waste to make compost at homes. Keeping Bichhakalon continuously clean is not easy, and people have started disposing of waste in it.

Despite these challenges, the spirit of Indore to overcome them and maintain its status as the cleanest city remains strong.

Also Read: Controversy Surrounding PM Modi’s Lakshadweep Trip Sparks #BoycottMaldives Trend