‘Indore became cleanest city through edu, enforcement’ | Lucknow News
Lucknow: Indore’s transformation into India’s cleanest city did not happen overnight — it was the result of a determined, multi-pronged effort under the Swachh Bharat Mission, said IIM Indore director Himanshu Rai.He said when the campaign began, Indore ranked low in national cleanliness surveys. Determined to change this, the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) launched a comprehensive cleanliness drive that combined strict enforcement, public participation, and continuous monitoring. “The city adopted two core approaches — education and enforcement. We first studied public behaviour through research at IIM and then prepared audio-visual materials and posters to initiate change. In the beginning, rules were implemented strictly,” he said. According to municipal officers, spot fines were introduced and rigorously enforced — Rs 100 for spitting, Rs 200 for public urination and higher penalties for littering or garbage dumping. Enforcement teams equipped with handheld devices collected fines on the spot and submitted daily reports to seniors. The IMC also tackled the root causes behind unhygienic practices. Thousands of clean, functional public toilets were built in markets, bus stands and tourist areas, each with a steady water supply and regular maintenance. CCTV cameras and sanitation marshals helped identify offenders while digital monitoring systems ensured transparency in reporting and accountability. Equally vital was public awareness, he said. The IMC partnered with NGOs, resident welfare associations (RWAs), schools and local influencers to spread the message of civic responsibility. Campaigns inspired citizens to take ownership of their surroundings. “It became a mass movement,” Rai said, adding that such efforts required volunteers and consistent public involvement. He cited the example of Kanpur railway station, where similar civic pride initiatives have started taking shape, but emphasised that states like Uttar Pradesh need to tackle habits like gutka and pan chewing that lead to spitting in public places.
