Raipur: Raipur and Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh are set to be developed as model cities for urban sanitation under the Centre’s Pragati-50 programme, launched as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0. The initiative aims to improve waste management, public sanitation, sewage disposal and overall urban cleanliness through time-bound targets.
The inclusion of the two cities in the programme is expected to strengthen sanitation infrastructure and improve waste management systems. However, the Centre will not provide any additional funds separately for implementing the initiative. The Raipur and Bilaspur Municipal Corporations will have to arrange the required financial resources through their existing income and other available funding sources.
According to the Centre’s guidelines, urban local bodies have been asked to recover at least 15% of sanitation-related expenditure through user charges. This could put an additional financial burden on residents if municipal corporations decide to increase the existing user charges.
Currently, the Raipur Municipal Corporation collects monthly user charges of ₹40 to ₹80 from households for door-to-door garbage collection. Commercial establishments and shops are charged between ₹180 and ₹700 per month. Under Pragati-50, increasing revenue through user charges will be an important focus.
District-Level Teams to Be Formed Within Seven Days
Under the Pragati-50 programme, both cities will have to establish municipal-level teams under the chairmanship of the respective District Collectors within seven days.
The programme has prescribed a phased implementation schedule to ensure accountability and timely execution of sanitation-related activities.
The key timelines include:
- Within 7 days: Formation of municipal-level teams under the chairmanship of the District Collector.
- Within 15 days: Assessment of sanitation arrangements across all municipal wards.
- Within 30 days: Preparation of a comprehensive action plan with specific targets for six months, 12 months and 24 months.
The action plan will cover waste collection, segregation, processing, sewage management, public toilets and urban beautification.
Special attention will also be given to areas outside the direct municipal framework, including railway colonies, industrial areas and other locations connected to municipal boundaries. Responsibilities will be assigned to the concerned departments to ensure that sanitation standards are implemented across these areas.
100% Door-to-Door Garbage Collection Target Within Six Months
One of the major priorities under Pragati-50 is improving solid waste management within the first six months.
Both Raipur and Bilaspur will have to achieve 100% door-to-door garbage collection and ensure that at least 50% of waste is segregated at source.
The programme also includes several targets to strengthen waste collection, transportation and processing systems:
- Achieve 100% door-to-door garbage collection.
- Increase source-level waste segregation to at least 50%.
- Introduce digital tracking of garbage collection vehicles.
- Ensure 100% processing and disposal of waste generated by bulk waste generators.
- Ensure 100% disposal of construction and demolition waste.
- Establish at least one RRR (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) centre in each city.
These measures are aimed at reducing the amount of untreated waste and improving the overall efficiency of urban waste management.
Night Cleaning and Twice-Daily Garbage Collection in Busy Areas
The programme also focuses on improving cleanliness in high-footfall public areas such as markets, bus stands, hospitals and railway stations.
Both municipal corporations will have to introduce night-time cleaning arrangements and ensure garbage collection at least twice a day in these locations.
Other important targets include:
- Treat at least 75% of the accumulated waste at legacy dumpsites.
- Stop fresh waste dumping at sites where legacy waste is being processed.
- Eliminate identified garbage-sensitive locations.
- Ensure that public toilets remain functional and properly maintained.
- Keep footpaths free from construction debris and other waste.
- Improve city beautification and maintain cleaner public spaces.
The focus is on ensuring that sanitation improvements are visible not only in residential areas but also in commercial zones and public places.
Progress to Be Monitored Through 48 Key Indicators
The performance of Raipur and Bilaspur will be assessed through 48 key indicators on the Swachhatam Portal.
The programme includes a multi-level monitoring mechanism to track implementation and ensure that cities meet their targets within the prescribed timelines.
The review schedule will include:
- Municipal level: Weekly reviews.
- State level: Reviews every 15 days.
- National level: Monthly or bi-monthly reviews.
In addition to online monitoring, the data submitted by the municipal bodies will undergo independent field verification to assess the actual progress on the ground.
The guidelines also provide for negative marking if mandatory targets are not achieved within the stipulated deadlines. This is intended to ensure accountability and prevent delays in implementing sanitation-related projects.
No Additional Central Funding, Municipal Bodies to Arrange Resources
A major challenge for Raipur and Bilaspur will be arranging funds for implementing the programme, as the Centre has not announced any separate additional financial assistance under Pragati-50.
The municipal corporations can mobilise resources through several existing funding mechanisms, including:
- Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0.
- Revenue generated through municipal corporations’ own sources.
- Grants from the 16th Finance Commission.
- Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding.
- Urban Challenge Fund.
The emphasis on recovering at least 15% of sanitation expenditure through user charges could also lead municipal corporations to review their existing collection rates.
For Raipur residents, any increase in household or commercial garbage collection charges could directly affect monthly expenses.
Raipur and Bilaspur Face Dual Challenge Under Pragati-50
The inclusion of Raipur and Bilaspur in the Pragati-50 programme provides an opportunity to improve urban sanitation infrastructure and strengthen waste management systems in Chhattisgarh.
However, both cities face a dual challenge: achieving the prescribed cleanliness targets within six, 12 and 24 months while arranging the financial resources required for implementation.
With performance monitoring based on 48 indicators, independent field verification and the provision for negative marking, timely execution and effective financial management will be crucial for both municipal corporations.
The success of the programme will ultimately depend on coordination between municipal bodies, state departments and other stakeholders, along with the effective utilisation of available resources.
