Taj City At The 10th Spot In Swachh Survekshan 2024: A Journey From Filth To Pride
Agra, July 18 (TNA) Once counted among the dirtiest cities in the country, Agra has achieved a feat on Thursday that the entire city and its people can take pride in. By securing the 10th position in the Swachh Survekshan 2024, Agra has proven that with sincere intent, transformation doesn’t take long.
Just a few years ago, Agra was among those cities where drains reeked, lanes were clogged with garbage, and the administration seemed helpless. However, the municipal corporation’s grassroots efforts under the Smart City Mission and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan deserve applause.
In 2017, Agra was ranked 282nd, a dismal state. But year after year, improvements were made, and now the city has broken into the Top 10. This success isn’t just superficial shine but the result of serious efforts in waste management, cleanliness, digital monitoring, and public participation.
Today, Agra has over 100 compactors, 250+ waste collection vehicles, and door-to-door garbage collection in nearly 90% of households. Sanitation workers are equipped with GPS systems, mechanised road sweepers, and mobile apps for monitoring.
The municipal corporation has upgraded 600+ public toilets, monitored online. Modern solutions like bio-methanation plants, compost units, and wet-dry waste segregation have been implemented. Yet, challenges remain. The Yamuna still stinks, inner lanes remain neglected, and slum areas struggle with filth. While areas like Sadar Bazaar, Fatehabad Road, and Tajganj have improved, localities like Lohamandi, Mantola, and Kachhpura remain unchanged.
What’s the Biggest Hurdle in This Cleanliness Journey? The answer is Political Apathy. Our public representatives show little interest in issues like sanitation. Unlike cities like Indore or Surat, Agra lacks a mass public awareness movement. Dr. Devashish Bhattacharya says: Frankly, this city runs on bureaucracy, not political leadership. The municipal corporation, RWAs, NGOs, and conscious citizens have driven this change.
Over the past two years, 2,500+ awareness programs, millions of biodegradable bags distributed, and reward schemes were launched. The truth is, cleanliness isn’t just the municipality’s job—it’s everyone’s duty. But our leaders are still stuck in old ways—talking about flyovers or statues, when what we need is a mass movement to make people realise that cleanliness is their responsibility too."
Chaturbhuj Tiwari of River Connect Campaign adds, "Agra, famous for the Taj Mahal, battles deep-rooted civic issues. Open garbage dumping is rampant, whether in slums or the old city. Vacant plots, drains, and roads are littered with waste. Most dustbins are either broken or overflowing, accelerating pollution."
Agra generates 750-924 metric tons of solid waste daily, but segregation is minimal. "Unsegregated waste attracts stray dogs, cows, and monkeys, creating daily hazards," says activist Padmini Ayyar. The drainage system is a mess, clogged with plastic and waste, causing overflow during rain. Stinking drains pose serious health risks. Potholed roads, waterlogging, and stray animals (cows, dogs, monkeys) worsen the city’s image. Dog bites and monkey attacks are rising, but government action is negligible.
Where there’s no cleanliness, there’s no progress—it’s time to act on this saying. Agra’s residents have played a big role in this achievement. Awareness has grown, social media campaigns have spread, schools have held competitions, and youth have stepped up. If we proudly showcase the Taj Mahal, we must ensure the city shines just as bright.