Mysuru's Ambitious Clean City Campaign for Swachh Survekshan 2024
The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has significantly intensified its comprehensive efforts to retain its prestigious position in the Super Swachh League (SSL) during the upcoming Swachh Survekshan survey for clean city rankings this year. This strategic push comes as the city aims not just to maintain its SSL status but to elevate its standing to a coveted seven-star clean city ranking, marking a substantial leap in municipal cleanliness standards.
Historical Context and SSL Inclusion
Last year, Mysuru achieved a notable milestone by securing a place in the SSL, a newly introduced elite category under the annual survey conducted by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. This category specifically recognizes cities that have demonstrated exceptional and consistent top performances in previous surveys. Alongside Mysuru, only two other major urban centers—Chandigarh and Noida—were honored with inclusion in this prestigious league, highlighting the competitive nature of the rankings.
The Union government's decision to include Mysuru under the SSL category was based on its historical track record of excellence. However, the civic body is now channeling its resources and energy towards an even more ambitious goal: achieving a seven-star clean city ranking. This represents a significant upgrade from last year's achievement, where the MCC was awarded a five-star status for various aspects including city beautification, meticulous maintenance of parks, and overall cleanliness around major junctions.
Strategic Focus Areas and National Recognition
This year, the MCC's strategy is sharply focused on two critical areas: waste segregation and public engagement initiatives. These elements are considered pivotal for scoring high in the survey's comprehensive assessment framework. In a testament to its expertise, the MCC has also been chosen by the Union government to mentor the Raichur City Corporation and the Maski Town Panchayat in solid waste management, underscoring its role as a national leader in urban cleanliness practices.
Mysuru's journey in the Swachh Survekshan rankings has been a rollercoaster of achievements and challenges. The city proudly held the title of the cleanest city in India in 2015 and 2016, but experienced a decline in subsequent years, slipping to 5th place in 2017 and 8th in 2018. A remarkable recovery saw it jump to the 3rd spot in 2019, only to face fluctuations with 5th place in 2020, 11th in 2021, 8th in 2022, and 27th in 2023. This historical context adds urgency to the current efforts to reclaim and sustain top positions.
Competitive Landscape and Scoring Criteria
The competition this year is exceptionally fierce, with over 3,000 cities across India, each with populations ranging from three to ten lakhs, vying for top honors. To secure the SSL award, Mysuru must achieve a minimum of 10,700 points out of a total possible score of 12,500 across various waste management categories. The ministry has established a detailed scoring system:
- 1,000 points are allocated for critical aspects such as maintaining garbage-free status and ensuring the city remains open defecation-free.
- 500 points are reserved for the accurate and timely uploading of data, emphasizing transparency and accountability.
- 1,500 points are dedicated to the effective disposal of construction debris, requiring a scientifically sound disposal mechanism.
The remaining 9,500 points are distributed across a wide array of cleanliness initiatives, including:
- City beautification and aesthetic enhancements.
- Clearance of legacy waste to address historical accumulation.
- Segregation of dry and wet waste at source.
- Efficient management of underground drainage clearance waste.
- Gathering and incorporating feedback from the public.
- Establishing robust waste processing facilities.
- Providing safety equipment to pourakarmikas (sanitation workers).
Public Engagement and Preparatory Measures
To enhance public feedback and drive awareness, the MCC has been proactively conducting a series of engaging activities. These include comprehensive workshops for training officers and pourakarmikas, organizing marathons, and hosting quiz events to educate and involve the community. Additionally, the corporation has planned a cyclothon and public awareness rallies in educational institutions, aiming to foster a culture of cleanliness among students and residents alike.
The central assessment team is scheduled to arrive between mid-February and the first week of March to conduct a thorough field assessment for the survey. KS Mrutyunjaya, the MCC Swachh Bharat Mission nodal officer, expressed confidence in the city's preparedness, stating, "This year, the city civic body is fully equipped with all necessary preparations to welcome the central team. Key initiatives include the clearance of legacy waste in Vidyaranyapuram and the operationalization of the construction debris plant near Sathgalli." The results of this rigorous evaluation are expected to be announced in May, setting the stage for national recognition.
Leadership Commitment and Future Aspirations
In an exclusive statement, MCC Commissioner Shaik Tanveer Asif emphasized the corporation's unwavering dedication, saying, "The MCC has been making its best efforts to retain its SSL position, and we are ambitiously aiming for a seven-star status in the survey. Our focus is on sustainable cleanliness practices and community participation to achieve this goal." This commitment from top leadership underscores the holistic approach being adopted to ensure Mysuru not only retains its SSL standing but also sets a new benchmark in urban cleanliness for the nation.
