City of Palaces all set for 'Swachh Sarvekshana' survey

Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) is ready for the litmus test 'Swachh Survekshan' survey-2018, to be conducted by the Ministry of Urban Development, to identify the cleanest city in the country. This year, the authorities are hopeful of getting 'Clean City' tag for the 'City of Palaces'.

Compared to previous surveys, the competition is tough this year, as the city needs to compete with 4,041 towns and cities across the country. In 2017, as many as 434 cities contested. However, Mysuru, which bagged 'Clean City' tag for two consecutive years-2014 and 2015-slipped to the fifth slot in 2017.

The survey will be conducted in three main categories - the collection of data, interaction with civic bodies, the collection of data from direct observation and collection of data from citizen feedback, for a total of 4,000 marks.

While 2,600 marks is earmarked for documentation and data collection, 1,400 marks is reserved for citizen feedback. Out of this, 400 is for download of Swachh Survekshan application and 1,000 for the questionnaire. The citizen needs to answer six questions online or through the app.

However, dates of the visit of Quality Council of India (QCI), a team to conduct the survey, is yet to be ascertained, said MCC Commissioner G Jagadeesha.

In 2017 survey, the city had lost marks in the construction of toilets and in citizens feedback. Jagadeesha said, "We are ready with all the necessary documents and other criteria needed for the survey. In 2017, we lost 45 marks as the MCC failed to achieve the target in the construction of toilets. Now, the city has additional toilets surpassing the target," said the Commissioner.

When it comes to 'Swachhata App', as per the directives of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SWM) authorities, as many as 18,000 citizens should have downloaded the app. But the number has exceeded with 26,000 people downloading it, Jagadeesha said.

According to the commissioner, the city will get full marks in documentation and collection of data from direct observation. But the participation of the people in providing the perfect feedback is a matter of concern, he said.

However, the commissioner exuded confidence that the 'City of Palaces' will emerge as the 'Cleanest City' for the year 2018.