Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral
The Central Government has directed all States and Union Territories to fast-track their urban cleanliness efforts under the ongoing Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0. In a virtual high-level review meeting, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal called for immediate action to eliminate dirty spots across cities with a renewed emphasis on visible, on-ground sanitation. He introduced a structured framework focused on aggressive state-level monitoring, citizen mobilization, and real-time tracking of cleanup efforts using the Swachhata App.
At the core of the initiative are Cleaning Target Units (CTUs), which will act as the operational arms to convert neglected or unsanitary urban lands into clean and dignified public spaces. “The CTUs are about converting eyesores into areas of pride, restoring dignity of public spaces and ensuring that cleanliness is not just on paper but visible and felt,” said the Minister.
The drive is not a standalone effort but a continuation of the Swachh Bharat Mission, a flagship initiative launched on October 2, 2014, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rajghat, New Delhi. Rooted in the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, the mission initially focused on making India Open Defecation Free (ODF). Over the years, it has evolved to encompass broader goals of sustainable urban development and inclusive civic participation.
Minister Manohar Lal reiterated that cleanliness and urban development are inseparable — two sides of the same coin. The call for fast-tracking this movement aims to revitalize urban spaces across India by empowering local governance bodies, encouraging citizen involvement, and leveraging digital tools for accountability and transparency. The central framework lays out specific timelines for cleanup operations, integration with the Swachhata App for real-time data updates, and a model of continuous review to ensure sustained progress.
The emphasis on visible cleanliness reaffirms the government’s commitment to not just policy but implementation, pushing for results that citizens can see and experience in their everyday environment. As India continues its journey toward becoming a cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful nation, the Swachh Bharat Mission remains a powerful symbol of transformation, deeply rooted in collective responsibility and inspired by the values of the nation’s founding leaders.
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