The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs today organized a day-long Review-cum-Workshop to evaluate and accelerate the scale of planning and implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission SBM Urban 2.0 across the country. Speaking on the occasion, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri acknowledged the achievements in the first phase of SBM and credited the resounding success to the Jan Andolan that brought about a significant shift in behaviour. He emphasized that the second phase of the SBM Urban seeks to realize the vision of garbage-free cities through scientific solid waste and used water management. Mr Puri added that by expediting planning and approving processes, over 50 percent of allocations for 22 States have been approved in just the second year.

While interacting with the States, the Minister mentioned that during the ongoing Swachh Survekshan, Ministry is looking forward to witnessing a marked improvement in the sanitation and waste management status on the ground. He highlighted that all cities should achieve a 3-Star garbage-free rating by 2026 and this ambitious goal requires accelerated efforts through regular planning, monitoring, evaluation, and implementation of corrective measures. Mr Puri also emphasized that the Review-cum-workshop has provided a valuable platform for learning and sharing experiences of various States.

Announcing the launch of the Training Program at Centre of Excellence, Indore, Swachhata Knowledge Partners Directory & Swachh Survekshan 2024 Toolkit, the Union Minister said that this will foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Manoj Joshi also addressed the workshop.

Senior officials of the Ministry, Principal Secretaries of Urban Development and Municipal Administration from 35 States and UTs, Commissioners of Municipal Corporations of nine Megapolis, State Mission Directors, sector partners, development partners of the Ministry, and others were in attendance.