The home ministry has selected 50 model cities across 24 states under the PRAGATI-50 initiative, intended to set a higher benchmark for cleanliness in the country.The cities will pursue targeted, KPI-based action and will be subject to intensive, technology-enabled monitoring within the framework of Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0.According to union minister Manohar Lal, these cities will emerge as clean role model cities for the rest of the country, by going beyond their routine sanitation work.“We have ensured the inclusion of major cities, cities of cultural importance, high tourism destinations and economic centres”, Manohar Lal said.“The initiative aims to drive visible improvements in urban cleanliness, solid waste management, used water management, sanitation, and citizen participation through a structured framework of monitoring and review within a defined timeframe”, he added.The minister informed that the progress of the initiative will be continuously reviewed through outcome based assessments and tech enabled monitoring.“I will personally chair review meetings every other month to track the advancement of these cities”, he said.Minister of state for housing and urban affairs Tokhan Sahu observed that, over the past decade, Swachhata has grown from a people’s movement into a way of life.Speaking about the new model cities initiative, he said it would help cities reach the goal of garbage free cities within a stipulated timeframe and become role models for other urban centres. Sahu urged states and urban local bodies to draw up micro-level action plans and implement them swiftly and effectively.
