Swachh Survekshan 2023 Report on Bhopal
Context:
In the latest Swachh Survekshan 2023 rankings, Bhopal has demonstrated significant progress, securing the 5th position among cities with a population exceeding 1 lakh. This marks an improvement from its 6th position in the previous year’s survey.
- Notably, Bhopal has earned a prestigious 5-star Garbage Free City (GFC) rating, distinguishing it as the cleanest state capital in the country.
- Furthermore, the city stands at the 5th spot in the category of cleanest million-plus cities.
- Bhopal’s rise in cleanliness can be attributed to its adoption of best practices, innovative approaches, and distinctive initiatives.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Governance)
Effective Waste Management in Bhopal:
- Handling 850 tons of waste daily, Bhopal has implemented comprehensive waste management practices.
- The city’s municipal corporation focuses on scientific waste disposal, waste-to-wealth projects, recycling of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, utilization of CNG-powered waste collection vehicles, and emphasizes the principles of Reduce, Reuse & Recycle (3Rs).
- The removal of garbage-vulnerable points has enhanced the city’s aesthetic appeal, with waste efficiently collected and processed through C&D, bio-CNG, and charcoal plants. Bhopal boasts 469 door-to-door garbage collection vehicles and 202 road-sweeping waste collection vehicles for routine cleaning.
Organized Segregation and Sustainable Practices:
- To ensure effective waste processing and disposal, Bhopal has established a well-organized segregation system at all 12 Transfer Stations.
- The municipal corporation has shifted from traditional waste treatment methods and now utilizes hazardous waste as a valuable source of fuel. Separate facilities are dedicated to handling biomedical waste and construction and demolition waste generated by the city.
- Bhopal’s commitment to sustainable practices is evident through its 18 sewage treatment plants for liquid waste management. Notably, about 31% of the treated water is reused in various applications, including central verge, fountains, fish farming, agriculture, and horticulture.
