Bengal launches Swachh App as government outlines clean-city, urban development, transport reforms

The state government on Friday highlighted a broad roadmap for cleanliness, urban development and infrastructure improvement, while launching the Swachh App as part of efforts linked to the Swachh Bharat Mission. Officials stated that citizens would be able to photograph garbage dumps and unclean locations and upload them through the application, following which authorities would take immediate action. The campaign has initially been launched in 10 municipal areas, including Asansol, Durgapur, Pujali, Madhyamgram and Kanthi. The government emphasized that public participation would be essential to improving cleanliness standards and removing large accumulations of waste across urban areas.

According to the government, the objective is to strengthen citizen involvement in maintaining clean cities, with the view that cleaner urban areas contribute to a cleaner nation. Officials said public confidence and cooperation would help advance the initiative. The government noted that the Swachh Bharat Mission was launched 11 years ago and stressed the need for continued efforts to address sanitation challenges. Under the new system, uploaded complaints through the Swachh App will be forwarded to the concerned authorities for prompt action.

The government also outlined broader development priorities, including urban development, energy infrastructure, e-transportation and metro rail expansion. Officials stated that discussions were recently held with Union government representatives regarding Bengal's development, infrastructure projects and coordination between the Centre and the State. The government said work on previously stalled Metro Rail projects has resumed and that special attention is being given to cities with populations between 2.5 million and 3 million. Authorities further stated that meetings with various departments of the Government of India would be held to address issues related to power, transportation and urban development.