Rohtak Municipal Corporation Initiates Major Cleanliness Drive to Reclaim Top Swachh Rank
In a decisive move to restore its reputation as a clean urban center, the Rohtak Municipal Corporation (MC) has officially launched a comprehensive road sweeping project valued at Rs 37 crore. This initiative comes after the city lost its coveted title as the cleanest city in the state during the previous year's Swachh Survekshan rankings. The project, approved for a five-year duration, aims to systematically address sanitation issues and enhance the city's overall cleanliness standards.
Project Details and Implementation
Under this ambitious scheme, daily sweeping operations will cover all main and internal roads across Rohtak. Although the project received clearance from state authorities some time ago, work formally commenced on Friday, with a private agency taking charge of the execution. According to an MC official, the agency has deployed approximately 340 sanitation workers to carry out the sweeping tasks. Additionally, a fleet of 140 vehicles, including tractor-trolleys and advanced road-sweeping machines, has been pressed into service to ensure efficient and thorough cleaning.
The official highlighted that while door-to-door garbage collection is already operational in all 22 municipal wards, there was an urgent need for systematic road sweeping. "Garbage accumulation along major roads had raised serious concerns about the city's sanitation and created a poor impression among visitors and commuters," he explained. This project is seen as a critical step to mitigate these issues and improve public health and aesthetics.
Historical Context and Launch Event
Interestingly, a similar road-sweeping exercise had been attempted in the past but was stalled due to legal hurdles. The resolution of these issues later paved the way for a fresh tender and the current project's execution. The formal launch ceremony was held at Shri Ram Rangshala on Friday, attended by notable figures including former minister Manish Grover, Mayor Ram Avtar Valmiki, and MC Commissioner Dr. Anand Kumar Sharma.
During the event, Grover emphasized that this initiative would not only enhance the city's sanitation but also boost its performance in the upcoming Swachh Survekshan rankings. Mayor Valmiki provided further insights, noting that the project's cost was initially estimated at Rs 43 crore for five years but was later revised to Rs 37 crore. "While the MC's own sanitation workers have been handling road cleaning so far, the private agency will now deploy 340 trained workers. This project is indeed crucial for enhancing Rohtak's performance in the Swachh Survekshan rankings," he stated.
Future Plans and Incentives
To complement this effort, the MC plans to organize cleanliness competitions across all 22 municipal wards. Under this initiative, cash rewards will be awarded to councillors whose wards are deemed the cleanest during surveys conducted by MC teams. This competitive approach is expected to foster community involvement and sustain long-term cleanliness improvements.
The launch of this Rs 37 crore project marks a significant investment in Rohtak's urban infrastructure and public health. With enhanced resources and a structured plan, the city aims to not only reclaim its top Swachh rank but also set a benchmark for cleanliness in the region. Residents and officials alike are optimistic that these measures will lead to a cleaner, more hygienic environment for all.
