Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam has become a frontrunner among Indian urban local bodies (ULBs) by receiving the highest number of citizen feedbacks during the Swachh Survekshan (SS) survey in 2023. This achievement is a testament of the city's commitment to cleanliness and active participation of its citizens in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
The coastal city, which secured the 4th rank in the SS survey in 2022, is vying to improve its ranking in the ongoing Swachh Survekshan 2023. In a remarkable display of civic engagement, Visakhapatnam received feedback from an astounding 6,52,488 citizens, solidifying its position at the top of citizen feedback category in SS 2023 survey.
Indore followed Visakhapatnam with 5,80,000 of its citizens giving feedback, followed by Bhopal 5,39,000; Vijayawada 3,01,000 and Gwalior with 2,57,182 citizens giving feedback.
To encourage citizen engagement, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) followed a multi-pronged approach. The corporation asked its citizens to utilise the Swachhata app and other authorised online platforms to provide their feedback.
The 2023’s survey questionnaire encompassed elements, such as frequency of garbage collection, waste segregation practices, assessment of infrastructure quality, maintenance of drainage systems, road conditions, street lighting, pedestrian footpaths, public tap water facilities and the state of public toilets.
Celebrity endorsements also played a pivotal role in motivating citizens to actively participate in the 2023 Swachh Survekshan survey. Celebrities lent their support through video bytes, praising Vizag city's commitment to cleanliness as well as its Eco-Vizag initiative.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a GVMC official said: "The celebrities spoke about Vizag city, its eco-friendliness, people's participation in keeping the city clean and green, and their active participation in the Swachh Survekshan survey."
In addition to celebrity endorsements, extensive awareness campaigns had been launched across educational institutions, offices, shopping complexes and public spaces, aiming to foster a sense of responsibility among citizens. This led to citizens actively involving themselves in maintaining cleanliness and promoting environmental sustainability in Visakhapatnam.
