17-07-2025
Kochi adjudged cleanest city in Kerala in national survey
Kochi has been adjudged the cleanest city in Kerala under the ninth edition of the Swachh Survekshan survey 2024. At the national level, Kochi has significantly improved its position, rising from 416th place previously to 50th this year.
The latest survey was based on four key aspects. The first two focused on citizens' feedback regarding the cleanliness of the city. The third aspect involved the assessment of waste treatment facilities, while the fourth was based on field inspections. Cleanliness, urban beautification, treatment of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, and wastewater management were among the various parameters considered during the inspection.
First time in top 50
A city from Kerala has entered the top 50 at the national level for the first time since the inception of Swachh Survekshan. 'This is no small achievement, but there is still room for improvement. We must remain aware that 49 cities are ahead of us. Much work remains to be done to secure the top rank. We could make a significant leap once the compressed biogas (CBG) plant at Brahmapuram becomes operational,' said Mayor M. Anilkumar.
Major projects
The Brahmapuram-centric waste treatment projects played a crucial role in helping Kochi surpass other cities in Kerala. The bio-mining of legacy waste at Brahmapuram is nearing completion. The existing 100-tonne capacity Black Soldier Fly plant, bottle booths established at various locations, resource recovery facility (RRF) plants, and container material collection facilities (MCF) are all exemplary models in waste treatment. The faecal sludge treatment plants at Wellingdon Island and Elamkulam, along with the organic waste composting plant at Manappattiparambu, were also inspected as part of the survey.
The Kochi Corporation has made notable progress in sanitation, waste management, and urban beautification. 'We are confident that sustained efforts will help us elevate Kochi to the top of the list in the coming years,' said Mr. Anilkumar.
He expressed gratitude for the support of Local Self-Government Minister M.B. Rajesh, former Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan, and former Corporation Secretary Babu Abdul Khadeer, as well as the guidance provided by the Kerala High Court, all of which contributed to the Corporation's commendable achievement.
