The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched the Field Assessment for Swachh Survekshan (SS) 2023, marking the commencement of the 8th edition of the world’s largest urban cleanliness survey, Swachh Survekshan. The survey, titled “Mera Shehar, Meri Pehchan” (My City, My Identity), aims to assess and evaluate the cleanliness and sanitation levels of cities across the country. The field assessment process will play a crucial role in determining the rankings of cities based on various parameters related to cleanliness, waste management, and sanitation practices.
More About the Swachh Survekshan 2023
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has announced the launch of the fourth and final quarter of assessment for Swachh Survekshan 2023. This quarter is considered to be the most rigorous and highly anticipated phase of the survey. During this phase, cities will undergo comprehensive evaluations to assess their cleanliness, sanitation infrastructure, waste management systems, and overall cleanliness standards. The results of this final quarter will play a crucial role in determining the rankings and recognition for cities participating in Swachh Survekshan 2023.
- As part of Swachh Survekshan 2023, a team of approximately 3,000 assessors will begin field assessments from 1st July 2023.
- These assessors will evaluate the performance of over 4,500 cities in India based on 46 indicators related to cleanliness, waste management, and sanitation practices.
- The assessment process is expected to be completed within a month.
- Swachh Survekshan 2023, which was launched on 24th May 2022, focuses on the theme of “Waste to Wealth” and emphasizes the importance of processing and scientifically managing waste to promote a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
Indicators
Swachh Survekshan 2023 has introduced several new indicators and increased marks for existing parameters to enhance the evaluation process.
- The focus is on key aspects such as segregated door-to-door waste collection, organizing zero waste events, providing Divyang-friendly toilets, improving plastic waste management, and cleaning backlanes. Marks for these indicators have been increased compared to previous years.
- There is a strong emphasis on transforming traditional “manholes” into mechanized sewer cleaning systems, with priority given to the safety of sanitation workers (Safaimitra Suraksha). Marks for this component have been doubled to acknowledge and promote safer practices in sewer cleaning.
- A new indicator called Waste to Wonder Parks has been introduced, which carries a weightage of 2% in the overall assessment. This encourages the development of parks or recreational spaces created using recycled materials.
- Another new indicator called Swachh TULIP (Technology, Urban planning, and Innovation for Livable Cities Programme) has been included specifically for cities with populations exceeding one lakh. This indicator focuses on incorporating technological and innovative solutions for urban planning and development.
- The cleanliness of public areas has been given greater attention with the addition of a new indicator called Red Spots, which evaluates the presence of spitting in commercial and residential areas.
- Promotion of the Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (RRR) approach is also a priority, with 40% weightage assigned for the detailed technical assessment of waste treatment facilities in cities.
These changes in indicators and weightages aim to foster better waste management practices, technological advancements, and overall cleanliness in participating cities as part of Swachh Survekshan 2023.
Process
- To ensure the quality and effectiveness of the Swachh Survekshan process, the assessment agency has implemented certain mandates.
- The on-field assessment teams undergo training on the survey process and tools before commencing their assessment work.
- Additionally, two levels of quality checks are conducted to verify the evidence collected, and surprise field visits are conducted by the core team to ensure compliance with protocols.
- The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has taken qualitative measures to facilitate a smooth and efficient survey.
- A national team has been appointed as a single point of contact for states and cities, addressing any queries or concerns related to the survey toolkit or the assessment process.
- The Ministry will also be sending a core team to various cities to oversee the assessment process and provide guidance where needed.
Swachh Survekshan has emerged as a catalyst for change and transformation in the urban landscape. It has become a motivational tool and a matter of pride for states and cities. With the objective of creating garbage-free cities, it is essential to accelerate the pace of change and bring about significant improvements in cleanliness and waste management practices.
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