Chandigarh, December 30: Punjab has been recognised for its strong performance in solid waste management in 2025, with Municipal Corporation Bathinda receiving the Swachh Shahar Award under the Swachh Survekshan conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
State Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh said the recognition reflects the government’s sustained efforts in managing both legacy and fresh waste across urban local bodies (ULBs). Out of 84.09 lakh metric tonnes of old waste identified in 131 ULBs, 40.78 lakh metric tonnes have already been processed, while the remaining 43.31 lakh metric tonnes will be managed by April 2027.
Dr. Singh highlighted improvements in door-to-door collection, segregation at source, and processing of wet and dry waste. Of the total 4,008 tonnes per day of solid waste generated, 3,243 tonnes of wet waste (81%) is being treated through composting, bio-methanation and recycling, with 9,812 tricycles and 3,162 mechanical vehicles deployed for collection.
The minister also shared progress under the Smart Cities Mission. In Ludhiana, 71 projects worth Rs 769.18 crore are complete, while eight projects worth Rs 138.05 crore are underway. Amritsar has completed 19 projects worth Rs 580 crore, and 10 projects worth Rs 245 crore are under development. Jalandhar and Sultanpur Lodhi have also completed significant projects, with several more ongoing.
Additional initiatives include replacing 1,200 old diesel auto-rickshaws in Amritsar with electric vehicles under the RAAHI scheme and providing 200 pink e-autos to women beneficiaries at a 90% subsidy. The state is also procuring 447 e-buses for major cities to strengthen public transport and reduce reliance on private vehicles.
Dr. Singh said GIS-based digitisation of water supply and sewerage networks has been completed for 16 AMRUT towns and Sultanpur Lodhi, while incentives under the SASCI 2024–25 scheme have brought Rs 32 crore to Punjab. Doorstep delivery of municipal services has also been implemented to improve citizen convenience.
