Tag: Swachh Bharat

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Prayagraj and Varanasi Score Full Marks in India’s National Clean Air Programme

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New Delhi | July 2025 : In a commendable achievement, the twin cities of Prayagraj and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh have emerged as national role models in the fight against air pollution, securing full marks under the Government of India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) performance index.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), which monitors the implementation of the NCAP across India, noted that Prayagraj and Varanasi were the only two cities to score 100 out of 100 for their coordinated and sustained actions to improve urban air quality.

The comprehensive evaluation measured key performance areas including:

  • Reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 levels
  • Citizen participation and awareness campaigns
  • Transition to cleaner fuels
  • Urban forestry and green cover expansion
  • Improved public transport and reduced vehicular emissions
  • Stringent control of industrial emissions

Officials attributed the success to proactive governance, public awareness, and the integration of environmental considerations into urban development.

“These results show that holistic and community-driven planning can reverse the tide of air pollution,” said an MoEFCC spokesperson.

Both cities implemented rooftop solar schemes, electric vehicle incentives, solid waste management upgrades, and smart traffic controls as part of their clean air action plans.

Experts have hailed this recognition as a blueprint for other cities aspiring to improve urban air quality and meet India’s climate goals.

With this milestone, Prayagraj and Varanasi are not only spiritual centres but now also symbols of sustainability, proving that development and environmental protection can go hand in hand.

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Andhra Pradesh CM Announces Statewide Ban on Single-Use Plastic in 17 Cities from October 2

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Amaravati, June 18, 2025 – In a decisive move towards environmental sustainability, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has announced a complete ban on single-use plastic across 17 major cities in the state, effective from October 2, 2025—marking the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and symbolizing a renewed commitment to Swachh Bharat and environmental responsibility.

The decision was unveiled during a high-level review meeting on urban development and solid waste management, where the Chief Minister emphasized the urgent need to combat plastic pollution and reduce its harmful impact on health, ecosystems, and marine life.

Cities Covered Under the Ban

The ban will be enforced in the following 17 municipal corporations and key urban centers:

  1. Visakhapatnam
  2. Vijayawada
  3. Guntur
  4. Nellore
  5. Kurnool
  6. Kadapa
  7. Rajahmundry
  8. Kakinada
  9. Tirupati
  10. Anantapur
  11. Ongole
  12. Eluru
  13. Srikakulam
  14. Vizianagaram
  15. Chittoor
  16. Machilipatnam
  17. Bhimavaram

These cities have been prioritized due to their high population density and significant plastic waste generation.

Scope of the Ban

The ban targets commonly used single-use plastic items, including:

  • Plastic carry bags (irrespective of thickness)
  • Plastic cutlery (spoons, forks, knives)
  • Straws and stirrers
  • Plastic plates, cups, and glasses
  • Wrapping films and sachets used for packaging
  • Thermocol (polystyrene) items

The government has also directed municipal bodies to coordinate with manufacturers, retailers, food vendors, and consumers to ensure smooth phasing out of plastic alternatives and promote eco-friendly substitutes like cloth bags, jute bags, paper packaging, and biodegradable products.

Implementation & Penalties

Dedicated enforcement teams will be deployed in each city to monitor compliance. Offenders may face:

  • Fines for possession and distribution of banned items
  • Seizure of goods
  • Cancellation of business licenses for repeated violations

To support the transition, awareness campaigns and training programs for vendors and citizens will be launched over the next few months.

Chief Minister’s Statement

“This is not just an environmental reform—this is a social mission,” said the Chief Minister. “Plastic is choking our drains, polluting our rivers, and damaging our soil. By banning single-use plastic, we are not only protecting our environment but also creating a sustainable future for the next generation. Andhra Pradesh will lead the way in green governance.”

Public Engagement and Alternatives

The state government will work with local NGOs, schools, RWAs (Resident Welfare Associations), and self-help groups to promote reusable products and foster a plastic-free culture through community drives and plastic collection campaigns. Bulk procurement and subsidized distribution of cloth bags are also on the agenda.

Conclusion:
As India strives towards its climate and sustainability goals, Andhra Pradesh’s bold step to ban single-use plastics in urban centers could serve as a model for other states. The state’s efforts to combine policy enforcement with citizen participation mark a significant milestone in India’s environmental journey.

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Panaji’s Urban Makeover Gets a Green Touch with Recycled Plastic Benches

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Panaji, May 30, 2025 — In a forward-thinking step toward sustainable urban transformation, Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) has unveiled an innovative green initiative—the installation of 11 recycled plastic benches at a newly developed public space near the National Theatre–Café Bhosle. This project is part of the broader revitalization of TB Cunha Road, an iconic heritage corridor in Panaji, being reimagined as a vibrant, inclusive, and environmentally responsible urban zone.

The benches, created in collaboration with the OneEarth Foundation, represent IPSCDL’s commitment to circular economy practices. Instead of discarding plastic waste, the project transforms it into durable and functional public infrastructure. Each bench—officially named the Solid Plain Bench—is crafted from 41 kilograms of recycled plastic, primarily sourced from commonly discarded single-use items such as plastic bags and packaging films.

The design of the benches is both practical and sturdy. Measuring 5 feet in length, 3 feet in depth and height, and with a sitting height of 17 inches, each bench comfortably accommodates up to three people. Structurally reinforced with Mild Steel (MS) pipe bases and secured with four fastening points, these benches are built to withstand both weather and time while offering a sustainable seating option to citizens and tourists alike.

“This project is more than just the installation of public seating,” said a senior official from IPSCDL. “It is a conscious step toward creating a model of sustainability, where waste is seen as a resource. We are making urban spaces not only more comfortable and inclusive but also environmentally responsible.”

These benches serve a dual purpose: they provide practical seating for the community and visitors while also acting as visual reminders of the power of sustainable choices. As part of India’s broader Swachh Bharat (Clean India) and Smart Cities Missions, the initiative supports national goals for waste reduction, environmental awareness, and sustainable urban development.

The IPSCDL has expressed interest in scaling this initiative city-wide, using the installation as a pilot model. If replicated across other public areas, it could significantly reduce plastic waste in Panaji while promoting greener, smarter city infrastructure.

By blending heritage restoration with environmental innovation, Panaji is paving the way for urban design that’s not only functional and aesthetic—but also deeply responsible.

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PIB Goa and CBC Goa Employees Take the Pledge of Swachhata

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As part of the ongoing ‘Swachhata Fortnight’ celebrations from January 16th to 31st, 2025, employees of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Goa and the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) Goa reaffirmed their commitment to cleanliness and hygiene.

In a solemn ceremony held today, Shri Nana Meshram, Director of PIB Goa, administered the pledge of Swachhata to the staff members. The employees pledged to contribute to the maintenance of cleanliness and hygiene in their workplace and surroundings.

The ‘Swachhata Fortnight’ initiative aims to promote cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitation among citizens, and to encourage community participation in maintaining a clean environment.

By taking the pledge, the employees of PIB Goa and CBC Goa have demonstrated their commitment to upholding the values of cleanliness and hygiene, and to contributing to the nation’s efforts towards a cleaner and healthier environment.

The ceremony was a testament to the dedication of the employees towards promoting cleanliness and hygiene, and serves as an inspiration to others to join in the efforts towards a Swachh Bharat.