Kerala Makes Historic Leap In Swachh Survekshan With Eight Cities In Top 100
Kerala has achieved a historic milestone in the Swachh Survekshan Survey 2024 with eight of its urban local bodies securing spots among the top 100 cleanest Indian cities. This unprecedented success marks a significant improvement from previous surveys where no Kerala city featured even in the top 1000 list. Kochi notably achieved the 50th rank becoming the only urban body from the state to enter the top 50 cleanest cities nationwide reflecting concerted efforts in waste management and sanitation initiatives across the region.
The cities honored in the top 100 list include Kochi Mattannur Thrissur Kozhikode Alappuzha Guruvayur Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. Last year Kochi was ranked 3963 Mattannur 1854 and Guruvayur 2364. The best rank Kerala attained last year was 1370 while this year its lowest ranked city is 1385. A state Minister for Local Self Government highlighted this as a historic leap forward for Kerala in the field of waste management. Meanwhile Mattannur municipality in Kannur received a special category award emerging as a model for waste management practices.
Thiruvananthapuram corporation became the first city in Kerala to receive the prestigious Water Plus rating the highest certification for open defecation free status. Additionally 13 cities earned Open Defecation Free certification 77 received ODF Plus and three achieved ODF Plus Plus ratings. In the Garbage Free City Star Rating category three Kerala municipalities secured a 3 star rating and 20 attained 1 star status marking another first as no municipality from the state had previously received any star rating. The state official attributed these awards and recognitions to the unified efforts made to address waste management scientifically and systematically especially following the Brahmapuram fire in 2023 through the Malinya Muktham Navakeralam campaign. The survey assessed cities based on citizens feedback waste treatment facilities and field inspections covering parameters like cleanliness urban beautification and waste water management.
Kerala’s strong performance in the Swachh Survekshan 2024 showcases a transformative commitment to urban cleanliness and effective waste management. This collective achievement by its cities signifies a robust advancement in public health and environmental sustainability across the state. The results reflect dedicated efforts towards a cleaner greener living environment.
