Indore Intensifies Swachh Survekshan Preparations with 'Clean Red Spot' Campaign
The city of Indore, renowned for its Swachh status, has initiated robust preparations for the upcoming Swachh Survekshan. The municipal corporation has raised concerns over the city's persistent 'red spots'—areas marred by unsightly spitting stains—and has launched a dedicated weekend drive to address this issue. This proactive effort aims to enhance urban cleanliness through community involvement and systematic action.
Weekend Drive Targets Spitting Stains Across All Wards
Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav officially inaugurated the 'Clean Red Spot' campaign on Saturday, starting from key locations such as Sarwate Bus Stand and Rajwada. The initiative focuses on eradicating spitting stains from streets and public spaces, leveraging public participation to foster a cleaner environment. The campaign spans all 85 wards of the city, ensuring comprehensive coverage and impact.
Every Saturday, teams comprising municipal staff and NGO volunteers will systematically identify and clean red spots. Residents are encouraged to join ward-level activities to help pinpoint and tackle these issues in their neighborhoods. This collaborative approach is designed to instill a sense of ownership and responsibility among citizens.
Awareness and Counseling Over Punishment
According to Ashwini Shukla, the health in-charge of the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC), the administration is prioritizing awareness and education rather than immediate punitive measures. "For now, the focus is on counseling and educating people about proper hygiene practices," Shukla stated. This strategy includes distributing free spit cups to pedestrians to discourage spitting on streets or walls.
Additionally, commuters and drivers are being urged to maintain spit boxes in their vehicles, promoting responsible behavior on the go. The administration has made a strong appeal for resident participation in both the 'No Thu-Thu' and 'Clean Red Spot' initiatives, emphasizing that citizen cooperation is crucial for achieving a red spot-free city.
Strict Enforcement and Past Actions
While awareness is key, officials have clarified that 'spot fines' will be imposed on those who fail to comply with the guidelines. This balanced approach combines education with enforcement to ensure adherence. Indore has a history of strict action against public spitting, demonstrating its commitment to hygiene.
In 2024 alone, approximately 6,500 individuals were penalized for spitting, with total fines amounting to Rs 7.81 lakh. Earlier, in January of the previous year, over 3,500 people faced similar actions, resulting in fine collections of Rs 6.5 lakh. High-profile interventions have further highlighted this commitment.
- In November 2024, then IMC commissioner Shivam Verma stopped a bus driver in Vijay Nagar for spitting on the road. The driver paid a Rs 500 fine and cleaned the spot under supervision.
- Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava also penalized a passenger caught spitting from a bus window in 2024, reinforcing the city's zero-tolerance stance.
These efforts underscore Indore's dedication to maintaining its Swachh reputation and setting a benchmark for urban cleanliness in India. The 'Clean Red Spot' campaign represents a significant step towards sustainable hygiene practices and community-driven improvement.
