Latest news with #SwachhBharatAbhiyan
Hindustan Times
6 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Reimagining the urban future
The past few monsoons have revealed the disquieting inadequacy of urban planning and infrastructure in India. This season, the cities in the National Capital Region, for instance, are struggling to function after intense rainfall, thanks to clogged drains and construction that disregards topography. In summer, many cities report heat deaths and crippling water shortages. Against this backdrop, the findings of the World Bank's Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India report should be a wake-up call. To blunt the triple threat of flooding, water scarcity, and heat, India's urban centres need a minimum investment of $2.4 trillion by 2050, the report estimates. While investments in the urban sector have been scaled up through initiatives such as AMRUT, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the PM-AWAS Yojana, and the recently concluded Smart Cities Mission, there is still a huge gap. And to make the most of even the available funds, city administrations need adequate capacity to prepare impactful projects, ensure proper implementation, and monitor their effectiveness in the long-run. The problem of capacities runs deeper than just the ability to spend funds. What cities lack is the ability to raise finances — even basic user charges for municipal services and taxes are not adequately collected. To employ innovative instruments such as green municipal bonds or getting the private sector to partner in building the climate resilience would require city administrations to set their house in order. More importantly, power and finances need to be adequately devolved to urban local bodies. To that end, executive and political imagination needs to be unlocked to suit the future needs. These findings outline the challenges — financial, environmental, and administrative — that lie ahead. Without adequate spending on climate adaptation infrastructure — better drainage, architecture that reduces the need for cooling and lighting — an urban crisis looms. For instance, heat mitigation measures can save up to 130,000 lives and increase the GDP by 0.4% a year, against the backdrop of exposure to dangerous heat stress having doubled between 1983-1990 and 2010-2016 in 10 of India's largest cities. Similarly, losses from pluvial flooding could worsen without regular upkeep and upgrades of the drainage system. All this calls for urgent municipal action, especially since India's urban population is expected to rise from 480 million in 2020 to 950 million by 2050. That only half the infrastructure needed to support the growth in urban population has been built (as the report says) is both a challenge and an opportunity. The report's recommendation that a dedicated national urban resilience programme be developed along with a financing strategy needs a close look.
NDTV
19 hours ago
- General
- NDTV
Anand Mahindra Shares Video Of 88-Year-Old Retired Police Officer Cleaning Chandigarh Streets: "Salute"
Industrialist Anand Mahindra shared an inspiring video of 88-year-old retired IPS officer Inderjit Singh Sidhu, who is spearheading a cleanliness initiative in Chandigarh. The video shows Mr Sidhu pushing a cycle cart through the streets of Chandigarh's Sector 49, quietly collecting trash and keeping his community clean. Mr Sidhu, a 1964-batch IPS officer, starts his day at 6 am, selflessly collecting garbage without seeking praise or recognition, inspiring admiration from internet users. Mr Mahindra added that the ex-cop was motivated by Chandigarh's low ranking in the Swachh Survekshan listing, but instead of complaining, he took action. Sharing the video on X, Mr Mahindra said, 'Apparently, every morning at 6 AM, in the quiet streets of Chandigarh's Sector 49, this 88-year-old retired police officer begins his day in service. Armed with nothing but a cycle cart and an unwavering sense of duty, he moves slowly and purposefully, picking up rubbish from the roadside. He says he wasn't happy with the 'low rank' Chandigarh got in the Swachh Survekshan listing. But instead of complaining, he chooses action. Watch the video here: This clip which was shared with me is about Shri Inder Jit Singh Sidhu of Chandigarh. Apparently, every morning at 6 AM, in the quiet streets of Chandigarh's sector 49, this 88-year-old retired police officer begins his day in service. Armed with nothing but a cycle cart and… — anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) July 22, 2025 "Each piece of trash he clears is more than just litter removed. It's a statement. A quiet, persistent belief in a better world. A belief in living with meaning, regardless of age or recognition. In a world often obsessed with youth and speed, his slow but steady footsteps tell us that Purpose doesn't retire. Service doesn't age. A Salute to this quiet warrior of the streets," Mr Mahindra added. Social media users widely praised Mr Sidhu's dedication, hailing him as a true embodiment of the Swachh Bharat spirit. One user wrote, "Such a powerful example. Real change doesn't need power or position—just heart and consistency. Big respect to him." Another commented, "Setting an example! Urging everyone in Chandigarh to reach Sector 49 every morning to join him for one week and then continue in their surroundings! Can we have 80 Cr free ration people cleaning their surroundings as consideration." A third said, "He deserves to be the face of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan." A fourth added, "This moved me. 88 and still serving - not out of duty, but belief. No spotlight needed, just a cart and quiet resolve. We need more such heroes, less hollow slogans." Yet another wrote, "Purpose doesn't need applause. It needs dust, sweat, and man carries more discipline than an entire city plan."
Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Anand Mahindra praises 88-year-old IPS officer for leading a cleanliness drive in Chandigarh, says ‘Purpose doesn't retire'
Source: X In an era where civic responsibility is often overlooked, Inderjit Singh Sidhu, an 88-year-old retired IPS officer, has become a beacon of inspiration by personally taking on a cleanliness mission in Chandigarh. A viral video showing him sweeping the streets and collecting garbage in a cart at dawn has stirred admiration nationwide, including accolades from industrialist Anand Mahindra . Sidhu, a 1964 batch officer, is not merely tidying up his neighborhood, he's setting a powerful example of selfless service, civic discipline, and active aging. His daily 6 am routine is a reminder that purpose and public service never retire. Anand Mahindra praises Chandigarh man's cleanliness drive Every morning, as the city sleeps, Inderjit Singh Sidhu quietly steps out with a cycle cart, picking up trash from the streets of Sector 49, Chandigarh. Without any fanfare or government backing, he cleans the locality — not for fame, but for the satisfaction of contributing to a cleaner environment. His actions echo the core message of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, where citizens take ownership of public spaces. His initiative began out of frustration over Chandigarh's low ranking in the Swachh Survekshan survey. But instead of venting on social media or blaming authorities, he chose to act. The video of Sidhu's efforts caught the attention of Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra, who shared the clip on X (formerly Twitter) on July 22, 2025. In his post, Mahindra wrote: 'He says he wasn't happy with the 'low rank' Chandigarh got in the Swachh Surekshan listing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 most beautiful women in the world Undo But instead of complaining, he chooses action… a quiet, persistent belief in a better world… Purpose doesn't retire. Service doesn't age.' Mahindra praised Sidhu's humility, noting that true leadership requires no position or recognition. His praise elevated the video into a national conversation around grassroots action and civic sense. Social media reactions celebrate Sidhu's humble leadership The video quickly garnered widespread appreciation online. Social media users were moved by Sidhu's consistency and humility: 'He proves that true service needs no title or spotlight. His quiet dedication is a reminder that real change begins with action.' 'Such a powerful example. Real change doesn't need power or position—just heart and consistency.' This overwhelming response shows how individual acts of service can inspire collective social responsibility and pride. 88-year-old Chandigarh resident embraces community cleanliness Sidhu's story defies the common narrative of aging as a time for withdrawal. At 88, he exemplifies how one can stay mentally and physically engaged in meaningful action: He redefines retirement not as rest, but renewed service to society. His morning ritual encourages citizens to take responsibility for their neighborhoods. His approach reinforces that change begins at home — or in this case, right outside one's doorstep. Sidhu hasn't asked for awards, media attention, or even public acknowledgment. His quiet perseverance is a symbol of patriotism in action. His efforts remind us that: Citizenship is a daily act, not just a legal identity. Social change begins with everyday people making small but consistent efforts. Integrity and impact often go unseen but ripple far beyond. Also Read | Elon Musk's Tesla Hollywood diner: AI robot, cybertruck meals and other futuristic key features revealed
Indian Express
6 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Knowledge Nugget: Why Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 Awards is a must-read for your UPSC exam
Take a look at the essential concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your knowledge nugget on Swachh Survekshan awards and Swachh Bharat Mission for today. (Relevance: Since the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission, the UPSC has included questions on this topic in both the Prelims and Mains examinations. In 2016, a Mains question was asked on 'How could social influence and persuasion contribute to the success of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan?' In this regard, it is an important topic for your Prelims and Mains preparation.) Ahmedabad was named the cleanest big city in the country in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 awards, followed by Bhopal and Lucknow. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award to Ahmedabad for being the top city among those with a population of 10 lakh or above during the awards ceremony held at Vigyan Bhagwan, New Delhi. The awards, instituted under the Swachh Bharat Mission under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, were started in 2016 with 73 cities. This year, 4,589 cities were covered in the survey that was held from April 2024 to March 2025. 1. The goal of this survey is to encourage citizen participation and create awareness among all sections of society about the importance of working together in creating clean cities and towns to reside in. It is conducted under the ambit of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban). 2. The 9th edition of Swachh Survekshan (SS) awards, which was announced by the President, has a revamped format. With Indore winning the tag of cleanest city for seven years in a row, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said last year that the next round of the Swachhata rankings will have a separate category for cities that have been ranked number one in the past, leaving the general competition open for new winners. 3. To address it, in this 9th edition of SS, a special category – Super Swachh League has been introduced, creating a separate league of cities excelling in cleanliness. This category recognises the cities that had been in the top three of their categories in the previous three years. 4. This new category, Super Swachh League Cities, included the previous winners Indore, Surat, and Navi Mumbai. Last year, Indore and Surat were jointly recognised as the cleanest cities, with Indore maintaining its top position for the seventh consecutive time. 5. It also said that for the first time ever, cities were classified into five population-based categories: (i) Very Small Cities (< 20,000 population) (ii) Small Cities (20,000 – 50,000 population) (iii) Medium Cities (50,000 – 3 Lakh population) (iv) Big Cities (3 – 10 Lakh population) (v) Million Plus Cities ( > 10 Lakh population) 5. Also, the Indicators have been simplified and structured into ten comprehensive sections, which cover the entire spectrum of urban sanitation and cleanliness. To maintain sanitation standards in key public spaces, a special emphasis has been placed on tourist destinations and high-footfall areas. 6. With the theme of 'Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (3R), the focus is on minimising wastage by using minimum resources and re-using them for the same purpose or other purposes. It also aligns with the Jaipur declaration, which was unanimously adopted at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific in March this year. 7. The awards were presented across four categories: Super Swachh League Cities, the top three clean cities in five population categories, Special category, and State-level awards – Promising clean city of the state/UT. In the special category: ↪ The Cleanest Ganga Town Award was given to Prayagraj. ↪ The Cleanest Cantonment Board Award was given to Secunderabad Cantt. ↪ The Safaimitra Surakshit Shehar Awards were given to Gvmc Visakhapatnam, Jabalpur, And Gorakhpur. ↪ A special mention was given in recognition of the special initiative of Swachh Mahakumbh 2025. Madhya Pradesh: Indore Gujarat: Surat Andhra Pradesh: Vijayawada Karnataka: Mysore Gujarat: Gandhinagar Madhya Pradesh: Ujjain Uttar Pradesh: Noida Union Territory: Chandigarh Chhattisgarh: Ambikapur Delhi: New Delhi Municipal Council Maharashtra: Lonavala Pravara Rajasthan: Dungarpur Maharashtra: Panchgani, Panhala Madhya Pradesh: Bundi (Source: Swachh Survekshan 2024-25) 1. Last year, Swachh Bharat Mission completed its 10 years on 2nd October. This was one of the first programmes announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he took office in 2014. 2. The mission was divided into SBM-Gramin for villages, and SBM-Urban for cities, executed by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs respectively. Along with this, Swachh Bharat Kosh (fund) was also launched 'to facilitate channelisation of philanthropic contributions and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds' towards this cause. 3. SBM's focus areas were building individual toilets, community toilets, solid waste management, and leading awareness campaigns aimed at behavioural changes. 4. The PM announced that the SBM's main goal was to make India 'Open defecation-free' (ODF) by October 2, 2019, for which crores of household and community toilets had to be constructed. According to the ministry, 'A city/ ward can be notified/ declared as an ODF city/ ODF ward if, at any point of the day, not a single person is found defecating in the open.' 5. In 2021, after the mission completed five years, the government launched SBM- Urban 2.0, with a focus on garbage-free cities, faecal sludge, plastic waste, capacity building, and greywater management. 6. Having achieved the ODF status, the government launched the phase II of the Swachh Bharat Mission – Grameen, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, w.e.f. 2020-21. According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the objective of SBM-G phase II is 'to achieve Sampoorn Swachhata, i.e., sustaining the ODF status and managing solid and liquid waste by 2024-25 and transforming all the villages from ODF to ODF Plus Mode.' Consider the following statements: 1. For the past 7 years, Indore has been ranked first in the Super Swachh League of cities. 2. The 9th edition of Swachh Survekshan (SS) awards classified cities into five population-based categories. 3. The Cleanest Cantonment Board Award was given to Secunderabad Cantt. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None (Source: Ahmedabad declared cleanest city in India in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 as Indore moves to 'super league', Top cleanest cities in India: Indore featured for the 7th time — see the full list, Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Khushboo Kumari is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She has done her graduation and post-graduation in History from the University of Delhi. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. She holds experience in UPSC-related content development. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
IBA seeks ₹10,000/unit subsidy for household biogas plants
Indian Biogas Association has pitched for a scheme to provide ₹10,000 per unit subsidy for reviving 50 lakh biogas units, which are ready with basic infrastructure, saying it can spur mass adoption of the cleaner fuel, especially in rural India. Indian Biogas Association (IBA) Chairman Gaurav Kedia told PTI that the overall government spend on the scheme would be ₹5,000 crore, which could be recovered in two years. He stated that IBA has called for the government to lead a bold, forward-looking attempt to support 50 lakh biogas units across the country. Infrastructure for these units is already in place and incentives are needed to spur mass adoption in rural India, he noted. "A focused, mission-driven approach like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan can deliver meaningful results in this direction. Most of these systems are underutilized or idle because of insufficient funding, maintenance, and long-term incentives. "It is high time we move from potential to performance and convert biogas into a real household fuel of the future. IBA calls for a policy revolution to make biogas systems not only accessible but rewarding," he said.
