In the Swachh Survekshan rating 2022, which was announced on October 1 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Bengaluru paid dearly for the lack of two certificates and the BBMP’s tardiness in providing quarterly statistics.
The city earned 2,892.98 out of 7500, enough for 43rd place nationally. One of the 45 cities having a population of more than 10 lakh people that were polled for the ranking was Bengaluru. Bengaluru was placed 28th out of 48 cities with a population of more than 10 lakh people the previous year. On a scale of 6,000 points, it received 3,585.56.
Interestingly, the BBMP did not apply for the certification because it did not meet the requirements for the Garbage Free Cities accreditation and Water Plus (treatment of sewage and reuse of wastewater). The BBMP only held an Open Defecation Free certification (ODF). Because of this, the BBMP received just 600 out of a possible 2250 marks for certification. Additionally, low marks were received for failing to comply with the Ministry’s mandate and provide quarterly specifics on service level advancement. The BBMP received a score of 1309.51 out of 3,000. The BBMP received 983.37 out of a possible 2250 points for the citizen’s voice.
The results of the citizen voice survey reveal that the BBMP received low marks for the cleanliness of public restrooms, while the citizen grievance system continues to be a major source of worry, and drain cleanliness is subpar. In terms of the absence of open waste dumps, daily residential area cleaning, market area cleanliness, segregated door-to-door pickups, and other factors, the BBMP has received high marks.
“This time, the marking standards have been revised while assigning the ranking,” stated BBMP Special Commissioner Harish Kumar. Bengaluru had to compete with other cities with a population of more than 10 lakh, as opposed to earlier when we were up against megacities. We were ineligible, hence we were unable to compete in two certification categories. We received a failing grade because of problems with a consultant that was hired to provide information to the government on a quarterly basis. The BBMP has received positive reviews from the public in a number of areas. But going forward, we’ll fix the problems and perform well in the rankings.
Strong internal team required
Citizen activist V. Ramaprasad responded to the ranking by saying, “The BBMP should have a strong internal team to improve the Swachh Survekshan ranking instead of engaging commercial consultancies that have a conflict of interest. The Swachh Survekashan is an annual operation that requires strict monitoring. The BBMP must correct all problems and deal with issues raised by citizens when it comes to their voices. Additionally, I assert that Bengaluru, which has a population of over 1.2 crores, cannot fairly compete with cities with a population of over 10 lakh.
According to the Swachh Survekshan rating for 2022 released on October 1, Mysuru city is the cleanest among the country’s medium-sized cities having a population between 3 lakh and 10 lakh.
In addition, Mysuru was rated as the eighth cleanest of all urban local governments having a population of more than 1 lakh, an increase over the previous year’s ranking when it had fallen to 15th nationally.
According to the survey results, the city is also the second-cleanest among those with a population between 1 lakh and 10 lakh, behind Tirupathi. This ranking is higher than the one from the previous year when Mysuru was placed seventh in the same category.
Lakshmikanth Reddy, the commissioner of the Delhi MCC, responded to the happenings by saying that Mysuru’s ranking will rise after the legacy garbage and the C and D waste are cleaned.
According to MCC Health Officer D.G. Nagaraj, pourakarmikas and the zeal displayed by the council members and citizens deserve commendation.
News Mania Desk
