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News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
Indore Is India's Cleanest City Again: Here's What It Does Differently
Last Updated: Indore's consistent success is a result of a multi-pronged approach encompassing robust waste management, smart infrastructure, strong civic engagement Indore, the city famous for its delicious breakfast poha, has once again cemented its reputation as India's cleanest city, securing the top spot in the government's annual Swachh Survekshan cleanliness survey for an unprecedented eighth consecutive year. The results, announced on Thursday, saw Surat and Navi Mumbai follow Indore in the top three cleanest cities in the country. In a separate category for cities with populations between 3 and 10 lakh, Noida was recognised as the cleanest, with Chandigarh and Mysore coming in second and third, respectively. President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards to the winners at a ceremony held in New Delhi, attended by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal and other dignitaries. Indore's consistent success in maintaining its cleanliness isn't accidental. It's a result of a multi-pronged approach encompassing robust waste management, smart infrastructure, strong civic engagement, and innovative services. Here's a closer look at what sets Indore apart: 100% Door-to-Door Collection & Source Segregation Advanced Waste Processing & Resource Conversion Indore is a leader in waste treatment. Nearly all generated waste is processed and converted into valuable resources. A large-scale Gobar-Dhan plant plays a crucial role, processing up to 550–692 tonnes of wet waste daily to produce bio-CNG and organic compost. The bio-CNG even fuels city buses and is available to residents at discounted rates. Furthermore, plastics are recycled, with some even being converted into fuel, while garden waste is composted or reused through mobile units and decentralised facilities. Smart Infrastructure & Centralised Monitoring Indore leverages technology for efficient waste management. A fleet of GPS-enabled garbage trucks and controlled traffic patterns ensure timely waste collection. This entire operation is centrally monitored from a control room, allowing for real-time performance tracking. The city also employs night operations using water-misting road sweepers, powered by recycled water from sewage treatment plants, showcasing a commitment to sustainability. Zero-Waste Zones & Behaviour Change Campaigns Indore has successfully transformed certain areas, including wards, markets, zoos, slums, and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), into 'zero-waste zones." Within these communities, segregation, reuse, composting, and recycling are actively practised. The city has also launched impactful behavioural change campaigns like 'Bartan Banks" to discourage single-use plastics and 'Jhola Banks" for cloth bags. City-wide plastic buyback schemes and public pledges further reinforce the message of cleanliness. The popular 'Swachhta Anthems," catchy songs played during door-to-door waste collection, effectively engage citizens and foster civic pride. Strong Civic Engagement & Enforcement NGOs in Indore play a vital role, conducting year-round awareness drives, rainwater harvesting initiatives, and clean-air campaigns. They also promote zero-waste policies at events like temple festivals and cricket matches. Citizens, students, shopkeepers, and local committees actively participate in cleanliness pledges and competitions. To deter littering, the city utilises CCTV monitoring and imposes fines. Notably, the municipal corporation even implements stern enforcement measures, including termination for non-compliant staff, highlighting their commitment to maintaining high standards. Innovative Services & Energy Conservation The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) is continually innovating. They are set to launch an on-demand waste and bulk cleaning service via the city's 311 mobile platform, offering flexible waste pickup and transparent billing. Furthermore, an energy-conservation drive in early 2025 yielded impressive results, saving over 1.5 crore units of electricity and reducing 12,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions within 100 days, thanks to strong community involvement and the adoption of solar and efficiency measures. Indore's continuous reign as India's cleanest city is a testament to its holistic and dedicated approach to sanitation, setting a benchmark for urban cleanliness across the nation. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter -- view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


The Hindu
05-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Allow unhindered access to postal staff: GHMC Commissioner to RWAs and gated communities
The neighbourhood postman, who was the most welcome visitor once upon a time, is facing accessibility issues in the era of gated communities and secluded townships. The issue was highlighted by the office of the Post Master General of the Telangana Circle to the Commissioner of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Commissioner, who urged him to take action for unhindered access for the postmen to the urban citadels. Postmen and delivery staff in the GHMC area are facing difficulty in giving door delivery of letters, and documents such as passports, driving licences, Aadhaar cards, and domestic and international parcels from e-Commerce, institutions and retail channels in gated communities, high-rise apartments, and multi-storeyed buildings. This situation is resulting in increased public grievances. Denial of access by the security personnel, restrictions from using passenger lifts, and lack of designated parking space were a few issues which are resulting in delays in delivery, it was revealed. Responding to this, the GHMC Commissioner has issued instructions to the Zonal Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners to scrupulously ensure hassle-free delivery channel for the postal department personnel. The instructions mandate that the Resident Welfare Associations (RWA) should allow unrestricted access to postmen for doorstep delivery. Use of passenger lifts must be permitted without any discrimination. Safe and designated parking spaces must be provided for delivery vehicles, and the RWAs must install and maintain approved letter boxes as mandated under the Post Office Act, 2023. The Department of Posts, through a press release, said that all the postmen and delivery staff are trained to door deliver letters and parcels using mobile phones and update GPS coordinates for delivery confirmation. It also urged that the addressees, in case of their non-availability, to provide written authorisation to the postmen for future deliveries to their authorised representatives. In case of any delivery related issues, residents may locate their correct delivery Pincode using the 'Know Your Pincode' service and reach out directly to the postmaster concerned. They can also use other public grievance channels such as the online portal ' toll-free helpline 18002666868, or official social media platforms of India Post.


Time of India
04-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Greater Noida set to get 16 more community halls
Noida: A total of 16 new community centres are set to come up across Greater Noida. Work for the same is underway at 12 locations so far, and construction will begin shortly at four other locations. The total cost of the project was pegged at Rs 25 crore. GNIDA CEO Ravi Kumar NG had previously directed the project department to construct new community centres in areas where none exist and to repair those that are already in place but have become dilapidated. Kumar also told officials to ensure that the construction is completed within the stipulated time-frame so that residents can begin using the facilities without delay. According to general manager (project) AK Singh, these centres are currently being developed in sectors Omicron 1A, Xu 1, Xu 2, Xu 3, Eta 1, Zeta 1, Delta 3, Sector 37, Sector 36, Pi 1, Swarn Nagari, and Chipiyana Buzurg. You Can Also Check: Noida AQI | Weather in Noida | Bank Holidays in Noida | Public Holidays in Noida "The construction at these sites is at an advanced stage and is expected to be completed by the end of this year. In addition, construction of community centres in Sector 3, Sirsa, Dadha, and Luksar will begin soon," he said. The centres are designed to be two-storey buildings. The ground floor will include a lobby, party hall, kitchen, store, one room, and separate toilets for men and women, while the first floor will house a lobby, library, and additional toilets. Each community centre will also provide parking space for around 50 vehicles. Community centres are essential public spaces where residents can organise events such as weddings, engagements, birthday parties, and cultural programmes. They are also used by Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and local authorities for meetings and gatherings. Devendra Tiger, president of Greater Noida's Federation of RWAs, welcomed the move, saying that residents have long demanded community centres in these sectors. "In the absence of such facilities, people were forced to go elsewhere to organise functions. If this is finally happening, we welcome it," Tiger said. He added that the centres' management should be entrusted to the RWAs, who can also take responsibility for their upkeep. Greater Noida has about 30 sectors and over 100 villages, however, only a few sectors like Beta 1, Gamma 1, Alpha 1, Alpha 2, P3, Delta 1, and Delta 2 have community centres at the moment.


India Gazette
04-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
RWA to lead 30th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle with 50,000-plus participants on July 6
New Delhi [India], July 4 (ANI): The 30th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle will be organised at 6000 locations across the country on July 6 in partnership with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs). The one-day event will witness 50,000-plus individuals pedal nationwide for health towards a pollution and obesity-free India. Started by Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya in December 2024, the 'FIT India Sundays on Cycle' movement has been organised in thousands of locations across the country with the participation of more than 50,000 individuals every week. The main event will be flagged off at 7AM from Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here on Sunday. The cyclists will then circle around India Gate C Hexagon and go till Vijay Chowk on Kartavya Path before returning to the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle has gradually become a mass movement. This week we will be organising the event in partnership with RWAs. I urge all citizens and communities to become part of this initiative and indulge in fitness-related activities like cycling and yoga to avoid lifestyle diseases and reduce pollution levels in their area,' Mandaviya said as quoted by SAI Media press release. The objective of organising the event with RWAs is to promote sustainability and connect with local communities across India. As per official estimates, there are 5-6 lakh RWAs in India whose role is to increase awareness about adopting a healthy and active lifestyle. The RWAs are encouraging residents in their areas to participate in cycling, yoga and fitness activities daily. The cycling drive is organised simultaneously in capitals of all States and Union Territories besides SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs) and Khelo India centres (KICs) across various age groups. Previously, the cycling event witnessed participation of Indian Army jawans, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Goods & Services Tax Council, Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI), and prominent sports stars like Lovlina Borgohain, Priyanka Goswami, Rani Rampal, Rodali Barua, Sangram Singh, Shanky Singh, Nitu Ghanghas, Saweety Boora, Paris Paralympics medallists Nitesh Kumar, Manisha Ramadass, Rubina Francis and Simran Sharma (para world champion) apart from celebrities like Amit Sial, Rahul Bose, Madhurima Tuli, Mia Maelzer and Gul Panag, to name a few. (ANI)


News18
01-07-2025
- News18
Chicken Curry Smells To Pet Poop DNA Tests: Reddit Discussion Reveals Life In Bengaluru Apartments
In several housing societies, tensions have erupted on WhatsApp groups over issues ranging from complaints about food aromas to demands for forensic testing of pet waste. Bengaluru residents have started taking to Reddit to share some of the most unusual WhatsApp group disputes they've had with their Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs). In several housing societies, tensions have erupted on WhatsApp groups over issues ranging from complaints about food aromas to demands for forensic testing of pet waste. One Reddit user from a Whitefield community described how a pet-related complaint escalated beyond expectations. 'Someone actually suggested a forensic test to trace a dog's poop because the pet owner refused to admit guilt. It became a full‑blown investigation!" the user wrote. Several posts referenced complaints about cooking smells, including one instance where a resident objected to the aroma of chicken curry. According to the post, the complainant said the smell was 'offensive" to vegetarians, leading to heated arguments in the group. Another user reported that pet-related issues are often met with quick action on community messaging groups. 'Photos of the 'evidence' would be circulated on WhatsApp, along with demands to identify the pet and its owner," the post said. In one instance, a pet owner denied the allegation and called for DNA testing, insisting it was not animal waste and that the area had CCTV coverage. In another case, a parent claimed their child had been attacked by a stray dog. Some residents reportedly demanded video evidence before taking any steps. 'I felt like becoming an activist just to see how far this madness can go," one user commented. A newly elected RWA president shared his experience dealing with such issues. He said the group had to shut down their WhatsApp chat due to toxic conversations. 'Our WhatsApp group became so toxic that we had to shut it down. Now it's strictly for announcements," he wrote. He added that residents frequently misused the group, with some even holding personal conversations there. 'People will call during work hours asking for plumbers instead of logging a ticket. People are petty and inconsiderate, the majority of the time. Some people used to use the RWA WhatsApp chat group as their personal chats, and a couple used to have their flat conversations on that until some other owner called it out." The Reddit thread has drawn attention to the everyday challenges of apartment living in Bengaluru, where disputes can escalate quickly and digital platforms often become the first venue for confrontation.