Surat Municipal Commissioner Initiates Special Cleaning Drive Ahead of National Survey
Surat, which secured the top position in the country during the Swachh Bharat Survekshan last year, is now gearing up for another round of cleanliness assessments. Municipal Commissioner M Nagarajan has taken proactive measures to ensure the city maintains its exemplary standards.
High-Level Meeting with Zonal Chiefs and Health Officials
On Tuesday evening, Commissioner Nagarajan convened a crucial meeting with the Zonal Chiefs of all eight municipal zones in Surat, alongside officials from the Health department. The primary agenda was to discuss and implement a comprehensive cleaning strategy, particularly focusing on religious sites across the city.
The commissioner issued clear instructions to conduct thorough cleaning drives around temples and other religious places. This directive comes in anticipation of the upcoming Swachh Survekshan, where teams are expected to visit Surat within the next month for evaluation.
Inspiration from Ground-Level Inspection
The decision to prioritize temple cleanliness was not arbitrary. Commissioner Nagarajan recently conducted an inspection tour of the Udhna zone, visiting various locations to assess the city's hygiene standards firsthand.
During this visit, he observed that the areas outside temples were notably dirty, prompting immediate action. This hands-on approach underscores the administration's commitment to addressing specific cleanliness challenges rather than relying on general directives.
Expanding the Cleanliness Mandate
Beyond religious sites, the commissioner has also instructed zonal heads to maintain cleanliness in public gardens and the exterior areas of municipal schools. This holistic approach ensures that Surat's cleanliness efforts encompass both spiritual and educational spaces, contributing to overall urban hygiene.
An official from the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) confirmed that Swachh Survekshan teams are likely to arrive in the city after approximately one month. The timing of this cleaning initiative is therefore strategic, aimed at presenting Surat in its best possible light during the national survey.
Building on Past Success
Surat's top ranking in last year's Swachh Bharat Survekshan serves as both an inspiration and a benchmark. The city's administration appears determined not to rest on its laurels, instead using this achievement as motivation to further enhance cleanliness standards.
The current cleaning drive around temples represents a targeted effort to address specific vulnerabilities while maintaining the broader cleanliness infrastructure that earned Surat national recognition. As the survey approaches, all eyes will be on whether Surat can replicate or even surpass its previous performance.
