Panchkula Launches Year-Long Cleanliness Drive After Swachh Survekshan Ranking Plummets
In a decisive move to address its deteriorating cleanliness standards, the Municipal Corporation (MC) of Panchkula has unveiled an ambitious year-long behavior change communication campaign. This initiative comes as a direct response to the city's worst-ever performance in the recent Swachh Survekshan assessments, aiming to overhaul waste management practices and enhance sanitation across all urban areas.
A Sharp Decline in Rankings
Panchkula's fall in the Swachh Survekshan rankings has been nothing short of dramatic. In the 2023 survey, the city secured the 139th position among cities with a population exceeding one lakh. However, in the 2024-25 assessment, it plummeted to 219th place within the 50,000 to 3 lakh population category. This represents a significant drop of 80 positions, highlighting severe shortcomings in urban cleanliness.
Within Haryana, the situation is equally concerning. Panchkula slipped from an impressive rank 3 in 2023 to a dismal 22nd this year. Municipal officials have attributed this decline to critical gaps in several key areas, including waste segregation at source, efficient processing mechanisms, and inadequate citizen engagement. These factors have collectively necessitated the development of a structured, long-term strategy focused on altering public behavior towards waste management.
Comprehensive Campaign Strategy
The newly launched campaign is designed to foster large-scale citizen participation through a multi-faceted approach. Key components of the initiative include:
- Promotion of Home Composting: Encouraging residents to manage organic waste sustainably at the household level.
- Door-to-Door Garbage Collection: Ensuring systematic and regular waste pickup from every residence.
- Source Segregation: Educating citizens on separating wet and dry waste to facilitate recycling and reduce landfill burden.
- Prevention of Garbage Burning: Campaigning against harmful practices that contribute to air pollution.
- Improved Sanitation Practices: Advocating for better hygiene in public and private spaces.
To implement this drive, the MC will undertake extensive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0 framework. The programme will comprehensively cover all 20 wards in Panchkula and align with national regulations, including the Solid Waste Management Rules, Plastic Waste Management Rules, and Construction & Demolition Waste Management Rules.
Execution and Outreach Plans
The Municipal Corporation plans to engage an external agency or non-governmental organization (NGO) through an Expression of Interest process. This selected entity will be responsible for executing a variety of awareness-raising activities, such as:
- Door-to-door awareness campaigns to directly interact with residents.
- Nukkad nataks (street plays) to convey messages in an engaging, cultural format.
- Interactive workshops and surveys to gather community feedback and tailor interventions.
- Distribution of IEC materials, including pamphlets, posters, and banners, to reinforce key messages.
Additionally, the campaign will leverage multiple media platforms to amplify its reach. Plans include radio jingles, wall paintings in prominent locations, production of short films, and strategic outdoor branding. All these efforts are geared towards reinforcing the core principles of the Swachh Bharat Mission and fostering a culture of cleanliness.
Special Focus Areas and Model Wards
A distinctive feature of this campaign is its emphasis on creating zero-waste model wards. These designated areas will serve as benchmarks for exemplary waste management practices, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of sustainable living. The initiative also aims to strengthen RRR (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) centres, which are crucial for processing recyclable materials efficiently.
Furthermore, the development of best-out-of-waste eco-parks is on the agenda. These parks will not only provide green recreational spaces but also showcase innovative ways to repurpose waste, turning environmental challenges into community assets.
Operational Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite the ambitious plans, the Municipal Corporation continues to grapple with several operational hurdles. Pending tasks that need urgent attention include:
- Clearing the Sector 23 dumping site, which remains a significant eyesore and health hazard.
- Ensuring regular and efficient lifting of waste from the former Jhuriwala dumping point to prevent accumulation.
- Operationalising the newly built material recovery facility to enhance waste processing capabilities.
The campaign is scheduled to run for an initial period of 12 months, with a provision for extension by another year based on outcomes. A dedicated implementation team, comprising a programme manager, technical consultant, community mobilisers, and media professionals, will oversee all activities to ensure coherence and effectiveness.
The MC expresses optimism that sustained outreach and community involvement will lead to tangible improvements in cleanliness. Ultimately, the corporation hopes that this concerted effort will not only enhance the quality of life for Panchkula's residents but also significantly boost the city's future Swachh Survekshan scores, restoring its reputation as a clean and well-managed urban centre.
