Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh): In a disappointing turn of events, Ratlam has slipped to the 46th position in the Swachh Survekshan-2023, a significant drop from its 30th position in the previous year’s survey. With a total score of 6,911.07 out of 9,500, the city has a long way to go in terms of cleanliness parameters.
The city has also received a single-star rating for being a garbage-free city, just like in the previous year. This highlights the urgent need for improvement in garbage collection, sewerage lid conditions, cleanliness, and organic fertilizer production.
The decline in Ratlam’s ranks can be attributed to its poor performance in waste generation and processing, with only 50 percent marks obtained in this category. Additionally, the city scored zero percent in the standard of remediation of dump sites. Remedial actions have been taken recently, with work commencing in September 2023 to remove the old waste accumulated at Julwania Ground. The impact of these efforts is expected to be reflected in the 2024 survey.
One key factor contributing to the city’s slipping ranks is the lack of public participation in maintaining cleanliness. Issues such as spitting of Gutkha, Paan, and Khaini in public spaces have hindered progress. A successful campaign requires extensive public awareness and active participation from citizens.
Mayor Prahalad Patel has expressed a commitment to making cleanliness a habit in Ratlam. He emphasized the city’s focus on quality rather than mere numerical rankings. Efforts are underway to strengthen technical resources and address waste management concerns, raising hopes for an improved performance in future cleanliness assessments.
The results of the Swachh Survekshan-2023 have shed light on the areas in which Ratlam needs to improve. With the support and active involvement of its residents, the city can strive towards a cleaner and healthier environment.
In conclusion, Ratlam’s slip to the 46th position in the Swachh Survekshan-2023 highlights the need for significant improvements in various cleanliness parameters. The city authorities, along with its residents, are determined to enhance public participation and focus on quality, ensuring better rankings in the future.
