Centre Urges States to Accelerate Cleanup Efforts for High-Visibility Areas
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) recently held a significant virtual meeting with representatives from all States and Union Territories to discuss the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0. Chaired by Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal, the meeting emphasized the importance of enhancing urban cleanliness through a focused approach on Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs). With over 800,000 CTUs transformed during the Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaign, the Ministry urged states to identify neglected areas and ensure their beautification within a set timeframe.
Focus on Cleanliness Target Units
During the meeting, Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal highlighted the pivotal role of Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) in driving urban development and effective policy implementation. He stated that cleanliness and urban development are interconnected, describing them as two sides of the same coin. The Ministry has developed a framework aimed at the timely clearance of urban lands, which includes regular reviews and stringent monitoring by state authorities. This framework encourages citizen engagement through the Swachhata App, which allows users to map CTUs, fast-track clearance of identified sites, and promote beautification efforts to reclaim neglected areas.
The CTUs will be systematically mapped on the Swachhata Hi Seva portal, enabling cities to focus on high-priority areas, particularly Legacy Waste Dumpsites. Local Urban Bodies (ULBs) are encouraged to collaborate with various stakeholders, including public sector undertakings, private companies, non-governmental organizations, and startups, to facilitate the transformation of these units.
Utilizing Technology for Urban Cleanliness
The Swachhata App has emerged as a crucial tool in the mission to enhance urban cleanliness. With over 20 million registered users, the app allows citizens to report issues related to CTUs by capturing location data, images, and specific details. Once a report is submitted, it is automatically assigned to ward officials, who are notified of the submission and resolution processes. Citizens have a seven-day window to confirm or reopen complaints, ensuring a responsive system for addressing cleanliness issues.
Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal reiterated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for cleanliness, emphasizing that transforming CTUs is about turning eyesores into sources of pride. He stressed the importance of making cleanliness visible and tangible for every citizen in their daily lives.
Accelerating Solid Waste Management Initiatives
MoS, MoHUA, Shri Tokhan Sahu, urged states to expedite their efforts in solid waste management, particularly as the deadline for completing SBM-U 2.0 approaches. With only 12 months remaining, he called for swift action to meet key targets. In alignment with the goal of creating cleaner cities, the Ministry introduced the Swachh Shehar Jodi (SSJ) guidelines, which pair 72 top-performing cities with 72 lower-performing cities for mentorship and support. This initiative follows the “Each One Teach One” model, aiming to foster structured mentorship and collaborative learning between cities.
In recent months, MoHUA has conducted two rounds of state meetings to assess progress under SBM-U 2.0, focusing on Legacy Waste Management and the establishment of Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants. The Ministry has urged states to implement aggressive monitoring and daily reviews to accelerate the development of waste processing facilities and the remediation of dumpsites, all in pursuit of achieving Garbage Free Cities.
Commitment to Urban Cleanliness
The commitment to urban cleanliness remains a top priority for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The ongoing initiatives under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 reflect a comprehensive approach to tackling urban waste and enhancing public spaces. By leveraging technology, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, and emphasizing the importance of citizen engagement, the Ministry aims to create a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment for all residents.
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