Solan MC tops Himachal’s cleanliness campaign, sets benchmark in digital governance and citizen participation

MANDI/ SOLAN: The Solan Municipal Corporation has emerged as the top performer in Himachal Pradesh’s statewide ‘Swachh Shehar, Samridh Shehar’ (clean city, prosperous city) campaign.

Outshining all other urban local bodies, Solan’s holistic approach to urban cleanliness, solid waste management, digital governance and community engagement helped it secure the first position.
The 60-day campaign, launched across the state, aimed to promote sanitation, sustainable waste management, civic amenities and active citizen participation.

All urban bodies were assessed on parameters such as cleanliness drives, garbage segregation, public awareness and infrastructure improvements.

Why Solan stood out

Solan not only met but exceeded all prescribed benchmarks, implementing innovative and replicable models:
Effective waste management: Solan introduced a robust system that included door-to-door collection, segregation of wet and dry waste, and the operationalisation of a material recovery facility. Scientific disposal methods and regular drain and public space cleaning routines were strictly enforced.

Digital transformation: The city adopted technology to streamline services. Households were issued unique garbage IDs, ensuring systematic tracking of waste collection and billing.

Additionally, a digital Citizen Service Portal was launched, providing residents access to multiple urban services such as trade licences, property tax payments, complaint registration and community bookings.
Community participation: Recognising that cleanliness is a collective responsibility, the MC organised a series of awareness campaigns, involving local residents and students.

Competitions, rallies and educational drives made citizens, especially the youth, active ambassadors of the mission.
Monitoring and accountability: Ward-level supervision teams were formed to ensure real-time monitoring of cleanliness activities. Comprehensive reports on all civic initiatives were documented and submitted promptly to the urban development authorities.

Urban infrastructure push: The city also focused on infrastructure upgrades, expanding green spaces, improving parking facilities and enhancing surveillance through CCTV installations to maintain urban hygiene.

Turnaround success

This achievement is particularly notable considering that Solan had earlier slipped in cleanliness rankings due to lapses in waste segregation and processing.
The current campaign marked a strategic turnaround, positioning the city as a role model for others to emulate.

Solan Mayor Usha Sharma expressed pride in the city’s accomplishment, crediting the hard work of municipal staff and the enthusiastic support of local citizens.

“We have proven that when the administration and public work together, any goal is within reach,” she remarked, emphasising that this milestone will motivate the city to aim even higher in future urban initiatives.

Model for other Himachal cities

Solan’s model of integrated cleanliness, citizen engagement and tech-enabled governance has been recognised as exemplary.
The Urban Development Department has encouraged other municipal corporations to study Solan’s approach and adapt similar action plans.

As Himachal Pradesh advances on its path of sustainable urban development, Solan’s success underscores the power of innovation, teamwork and community spirit in building cleaner and more prosperous cities.

Munish Sood