MANDI:
In just two months, the Mandi city has undergone a remarkable transformation. From cleaner neighbourhoods to empowered citizens and more efficient waste systems, the “Swachh Shehar, Samriddh Shehar” campaign, launched by the Mandi Municipal Corporation (MMC) on February 10, wrapped up on Wednesday (April 9, 2025), leaving behind not just a cleaner city but a stronger sense of civic unity.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mayor Virender Bhatt expressed deep appreciation for the collective efforts that made the campaign a success.
“This was not just a campaign, but a movement,” said the Mayor. “We’ve shown that when government, institutions, and citizens come together, change is not only possible, it’s powerful. Mandi today is cleaner, more aware, and better prepared for the future,” said Virender Bhatt.
City-wide coverage with strong community involvement
Over the course of the campaign, all 15 municipal wards were intensively covered with focused cleaning drives, each ward seeing up to five rounds of sweeping, garbage clearance and sanitation.
Alongside this, door-to-door awareness efforts led by self-help group members ensured that waste segregation and responsible disposal reached every household.
Nearly 400 homes identified for maintaining exceptional hygiene were recognised with “Swachh Ghar, Samriddh Ghar” stickers, encouraging community pride and setting local examples of good practices.
Upgrading systems, empowering workers
Sanitation workers were equipped with protective gear including gloves, jackets, and masks, and trained in safe waste-handling techniques. Meetings with hotel owners and large waste producers encouraged localized composting and sustainable waste disposal.
Grievance redressal camps held in each ward helped resolve hundreds of civic issues on the spot. Identified garbage hotspots were cleaned and the practice of periodic cleanups at these locations will continue beyond the campaign.
Public toilets across the city were reviewed and maintenance works initiated where needed. The city’s solid waste processing facility was also inspected and a modernisation plan is now in the works.
Digital governance takes centre-stage
In a major step toward citizen-centric governance, all MMC employees were trained for the upcoming Citizen Service Portal, an integrated online platform set to streamline services like property tax, sanitation fees, pet registration, business licences and more.
“Soon, every household will receive a unique garbage id. This will not only help us manage waste better but will also connect each citizen directly with essential services,” said the Mayor. “This is our push toward smarter and transparent governance.”
Litter bins will also be installed at prominent public spots to discourage open dumping, with all installation points already identified.
Beautification and environmental focus
Unauthorised hoardings and banners were removed to improve the city’s visual appeal. Water bodies were cleaned and protected, ensuring they remain pollution-free and ecologically sustainable.
Mayor Bhatt also voiced strong concern over the issue of stray cattle, calling it a civic failure.
“People who abandon their animals on the streets are risking lives. These acts are not only illegal but morally wrong. We must act together to stop this,” he urged.
The conclusion of the campaign doesn’t mark the end of MMC’s cleanliness and governance initiatives. Instead, it lays the groundwork for sustainable practices and continued public engagement.
The Mayor reiterated his commitment to maintaining the momentum and turning cleanliness into a daily habit. “This is just the beginning,” Bhatt said. “With continued public support, Mandi can truly become a model city for others to follow.”
Dignitaries present at the event
The campaign’s closing ceremony was attended by several municipal councillors and officials, including Alaknanda Handa, Hardeep Singh, Nirmala Verma, Deepali Jaswal, Sanjay Sharma, Meenakshi Thakur, Kamal Thakur, Ashok Kumar, Rekha Kumari, Baldev Thakur, Rajeev Kumar, Ramesh Sharma, Priyanka Dogra, Mohan Lal and Asha Rana.
Also present were Additional Commissioner Vijay Kumar, Assistant Engineer Naresh and Section Officer Rakesh Guleria.
Munish Sood
Other News
Fake cardiologist who ‘*killed’ 7 heart patients in MP tried his luck in Himachal, but bluff was caught just in time
Vital Himachal bridge to popular tourist spots Jibhi, Tirthan in Kullu collapses, hundreds of vehicles stranded
Himachal gets first ‘Green DC Office’; find out how it’s different from others
Himachal Congress leaders start returning from Gujarat convention as state unit awaits new executive
Nobody from Himachal BJP speaks in Kangana’s support as Congress activists protest her ‘abrasive’ language in Mandi
