Overview
The Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) has reshaped cities and inspired a jan andolan for swachhata, turning cleanliness into a shared civic duty. Campaigns like Swachhata Hi Seva and initiatives such as Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) have united communities to transform neglected dumping grounds into clean, vibrant, usable public spaces.
Key Developments Under SBM-U 2.0
Under SBM-U 2.0, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across India are focusing on visible cleanliness, transforming neglected, dark, dirty, and waste-laden areas through the Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) initiative. Success stories from various cities exemplify this transformation.
Alappuzha, Kerala
The Alappuzha Municipality in Kerala has set a noteworthy example of urban transformation through the aesthetic conversion of a 15-cent fallow land located in front of the Municipality Office Complex - Sathabdi Mandiram. The plot, owned by the Water Authority, had long remained unused and overgrown with weeds, with a large water tank in a deteriorated condition marked by faded paint and neglect.
- Approximately 5.4 tons of waste were removed from the site.
- The water tank was artistically repainted with vibrant messages on swachhata, turning it into an attractive public landmark.
- The surrounding 10 cents of land were developed into a blooming garden cultivated mainly with yellow and orange Chrysanthemum (marigold) flowers.
- The flowers harvested from the garden were used for the traditional Pookkalam (floral carpet) during Kerala’s Onam festival.
All cleaning, refurbishing, and maintenance activities were undertaken by dedicated sanitation workers. This once-neglected space now stands as a symbol of Alappuzha’s commitment to sustainable waste management, civic pride, and urban beautification.
Metpally, Telangana
Metpally Municipality in Telangana undertook the rejuvenation of the Koneru at Chenna Keshavanatha Swamy Temple, located near the municipal office in Metpally town, during the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign. The sacred pond was heavily silted and filled with plastic waste and debris.
- Approximately 4 tons of waste and debris were removed from the pond and its surroundings.
- The activity witnessed active participation from around 80 individuals, including municipal staff, SHG women, local youth, and members of the temple committee.
- The drive involved desilting of the pond, cleaning of the temple surroundings, and removal of accumulated garbage, leading to the complete restoration of the Koneru.
The rejuvenated pond now holds clear water, reinstating the site’s environmental and spiritual sanctity. The temple area has been transformed into a clean, serene space for devotees, fostering a strong sense of community ownership and collective responsibility. This initiative exemplifies Metpally Municipality’s commitment to Swachhata, heritage conservation, and citizen participation, aligning closely with the goals of Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0.
Macherla Municipality
Macherla Municipality undertook a large-scale cleanliness and beautification drive during the Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 campaign. The initiative focused on transforming the CTU site at Yadavula bazar near a water tank that had become a dumping ground for animal waste.
- Over 1,500 volunteers participated in the drive.
- Nearly 150 metric tonnes of garbage were collected and transported to the Waste-to-Compost Plant at Macherla.
- Low-lying road portions were filled and levelled.
- SHG members beautified the area with colourful rangolis and decorative borders.
- 150 saplings were planted.
- The public water tank and nearby walls were cleaned, repainted, and adorned with awareness messages promoting swachhata.
Jamshedpur Municipal Corporation
Jamshedpur Municipal Corporation organized a special pond cleaning drive at Kailash Sarovar, located in Ward No. 02, Sonari, with the active participation of local residents.
- Over 2 tonnes of waste—including plastic, silt, and debris—were removed from the pond.
- The initiative witnessed enthusiastic involvement from citizens, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), youth volunteers, and Safai Mitras.
Conclusion
The transformation stories of these cities highlight how the Swachh Bharat Mission has evolved beyond a cleanliness campaign into a citizen-led movement for sustainable urban renewal.