Dharamshala Municipal Corporation Wins National Scotch Award For Waste Management
Municipal Corporation Commissioner Zafar Iqbal receiving the award
Dharamshala, 17 February: In an unprecedented achievement for the region, the Dharamshala Municipal Corporation (MC) achieved National Scotch Award for 2024 for their unique contributions to waste management and sanitation. This award was presented to the Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Zafar Iqbal, in a grand ceremony organized in New Delhi, to recognize the efforts of these Educational Institutions/Individuals who have made significant contributions towards improving sanitation practices.
However, according to the Scotch Group, a group famous for the Scotch Award, which is a mark of the prestige of any kind of sanitation, is awarded from the group. Specifically, this award recognizes the endeavors of communities, organizations and individuals from various sectors that have made special efforts to bring about improvement in the health and hygiene parameters and have contributed to fulfilling the objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission the Government of India.
Commissioner Zafar Iqbal expressed immense pride and gratitude over the achievement. He dedicated this award to the team of Municipal Corporation including the officers, employees, and Swachhata Mitras (Cleanliness Volunteers) who worked day and night to make Dharamshala a cleaner and healthier place for the residents and visitors.
“It’s an honour to accept the National Scotch Award for Sanitation and Cleanliness. Zafar Iqbal said, “This is a testimony of efforts and contribution each member of the Municipal Corporation have made, and the Swachhata Mitras played a significant role in spreading awareness and making our waste management programmes a success.” “This could not happen without the support of each and everyone of you from Dharamshala to keep this city a cleaner and sustainable surrounding.”
The prize was awarded based on effective garbage management and cleanliness practices weekly conducted by the Dharamshala Municipal Corporation. What makes the city stands out as a waste management role model in the country is its creative ways of wasting its waste, garbage running system and encouraging responsible disposal.
Some of the initiatives include the launch of Clean City-Prosperous City campaign to manage waste better by motivating citizens to separate wet and dry waste at their homes. Under this campaign, Swachhata Mitras are on the ground training the residents and businesses of Dharamshala on waste segregation, disposal and recycling.
The Clean City-Prosperous City campaign is an extraordinary mile stone for Dharamshala to turn it into a clean city and it is proving to be very affective by adopting the initiative of sound waste management. “The collective action of residents, businesses and local councils is integral to the success of campaigns like this,” said Commissioner Iqbal.
Dharamshala is a beautiful place as well as a touristic place as well as a religious place which has grown followers over the years. Therefore, the local authority has noted that it is essential to uphold a clean and tidy environment and effective waste disposal practices to keep the beauty and pull of the city.
Thus Dharamshala not only has contributed to the environmental health of the region by improving waste management, but it also has jumped as a global tourist destination. As Commissioner Iqbal put it, “If we have a clean city, we have more tourists, and with them the local economy will flourish.” “Dharamshala getting cleaner and beautiful, will also make it a better tourist destination which in turn will add to the overall prosperity of the city,” he added.
The Municipal Corporation has also worked to make Dharamshala self-sufficient in terms of waste management. “We aim to make Dharamshala self-sustaining in managing its garbage, so that if we want to further clean the city, we need not depend completely on outsiders to pick it up,” Iqbal said. Aligning with the larger goal of sustainable urban ecosystem is something that goes hand-in-hand with improving the well-being of its residents, as well as aligning with the city’s overarching development goals.
This recognition comes as waste management has become a major challenge for urban cities across India. Despite the increase in population and urbanization, the cleanliness of cities is an increasing challenge. It has become a role model for other cities to follow Dharamshala’s footsteps in further enhance their environmental standards.
The drive has also been significant in raising awareness about community involvement in the success of sanitation schemes, underlining the role of Municipal Corporation in its implementation. The collaboration between local authorities, businesses, and residents in Dharamshala serves as an example for other municipalities aiming to better their waste management and sanitation practices. Among these, the role of Swachhata Mitras has been crucial in implementing sanitation initiatives and build a connection between citizen and government.
Overall, the National Scotch Award is an acknowledgement of the Dharamshala’s waste management efforts. It also underscores the need for sustained innovation and citizen engagement in tackling the urban sanitation crisis.
The Municipal Corporation’s focus on cleanliness and waste management will be crucial in determining the future of Dharamshala as both a tourist destination and an urban center, as it continues to grow. Dharamshala will become a role model in effective urban waste management across India, thanks to the Clean City-Prosperous City campaign and the shining example of the National Scotch Award.
In future, to improve sanitation systems and get more coverage, Commissioner Iqbal assured that Municipal Corporation will continue to work. Ashok SharmaEARLIER“Dharamshala will be cleaner, greener, more splendid and healthy for the residents and tourists alike,” he added.
In summary, winning the National Scotch Award is a banner day for Dharamshala, a celebration of one small city, but also a reminder – a warning, really – to cities everywhere not to overlook community efforts and sustainability when it comes to urban planning and growth. By committing to cleanliness, the city not only cements its place among the top tourist destinations but could also be a role model for other cities looking to implement superior sanitation methods.
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