Chandigarh MC launches swachh ward ranking for cleanliness

With the aim of fostering healthy competition among wards to enhance sanitation and waste management, the Municipal Corporation (MC) Chandigarh has taken a significant step toward achieving cleanliness and becoming the cleanest city in the country. The MC has engaged the Self Help Group (SHG) team, for monthly sanitation assessments in 35 wards under the guidance of area councilors.

The Swachh Ward Ranking initiative will commence its assessment on February 20th and conclude by the end of the month, with the best-performing ward declared on the 1st of each month. This collaboration between the Swachh Bharat Mission and DAY-NULM prioritizes sanitation, inclusivity, and empowerment.

The assessment will cover various areas, including residential zones, marketplaces, educational institutions, parks, hotels and restaurants, and public facilities. Each segment will undergo meticulous grading based on predefined criteria outlined in the MC Chandigarh-Mini toolkit to ensure excellence.

The MC Chandigarh-Mini toolkit also aims to raise awareness about cleanliness and improve sanitation services on a ward-wise basis. It recognizes progress made in infrastructure, solid and liquid waste management, and the empowerment of the underprivileged.

A special capacity-building and training session was organized for the assessors’ team, to familiarize them with the grading process according to the MC Chandigarh-Mini toolkit of Swachh Survekshan 2024. This session addressed any queries or concerns, ensuring a clear understanding of the criteria. The dedicated SHG team, associated with DAY-NULM, comprises fifteen groups, including Chandrawati, Jeevika, Mahi Devi, Nairaha, Rani Luxhmi Bai, Samyra, Sarwati, Shama Group, Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, Surajmukhi Group, Khawaish, Shagun, Maloya, Guru Valmiki Ji, Maloya Village, Reehansh, Vikas, Angel, and Divya. With 17 women and 5 men, this diverse team brings expertise and commitment to drive the Swachh Ward grading exercise citywide. Municipal Commissioner Anindita Mitra, IAS, emphasized the importance of equipping the team with necessary skills and knowledge. Comprehensive training sessions were organized before the grading exercise to ensure their preparedness.