Chandigarh's ‘slum-free' claim: The real clean-up begins now

Indian Express

14 hours ago

Written by RK Saboo
As Swachh Bharat Abhiyan powers into its ambitious second phase, Chandigarh basks in the glory of being India's first officially 'slum-free' city. But beyond the spotless roads and freshly scrubbed reputation, the real question lingers: has the city truly lifted its most vulnerable residents into lives of dignity, safety and opportunity?
Slum removal, after all, should not be the end of the story. It must mark the start of a new chapter — one where displaced families are not just shifted out but moved up, with better housing, education and prospects. Equally overlooked are the city's street vendors, who form its bustling, beating heart. Cleanliness drives, fines and mandatory registrations may tick the bureaucratic boxes, but without inclusive policies and alternate spaces for vendors to earn their livelihood, the city risks sweeping away their means of survival.
Launched in October 2014 by the Prime Minister, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan began as a government programme but soon morphed into a people's movement. Chandigarh's slum-free status shines as a rare success story — proof of what determined planning, political will and citizen participation can deliver. Yet for the mission to ring true, every displaced family must feel part of that success.
The larger Swachh Bharat journey has seen India achieve near-universal ODF (open defecation free) coverage in rural areas, while urban India is now tasked with becoming garbage-free and scientifically waste-managed by 2026. GPS-enabled apps like Swachhata are tightening transparency, and cities like Indore continue to lead the cleanliness rankings, powered by civic pride and innovation.
For me, the mission is deeply personal. It was at the 2014 Chennai Rotary Institute that I led a dedicated Swachh Bharat session, culminating in the Chennai Declaration — a pledge to champion hygiene, dignity and cleanliness. Back home in Chandigarh, our small steps — office cleanliness drives — sparked ripples. Neighbouring offices joined in, schools followed, and children were inspired by stories of Japanese classrooms where students clean their own spaces with pride.
Soon, the movement spilled onto the streets. Rotarian Salil Chopra and a determined band of Rotarians and Rotaractors hit the lanes, markets and pavements, armed with brooms, slogans and a simple message: cleanliness is everyone's responsibility. Human chains and striking visuals drew the public in; change became visible.
Now, as Chandigarh transitions from a structurally planned city to a socially conscious, green city, the challenge deepens. Are the slum dwellers who were uprooted now living better, healthier lives? The real test of a 'slum-free' city is not the absence of jhuggis, but the presence of dignity for its poorest citizens. Urban development is more than sweeping away shanties; it's about ensuring every rehabilitated family lives in safety and hope.
If Chandigarh can answer that question honestly, it may well lead India toward the ultimate vision of a Swasth Bharat, Sundar Bharat and Saksham Bharat — a nation that is not just clean, but caring, modern and humane.
(RK Saboo is a former Rotary International president and a long-time advocate of civic responsibility and social development.)