Mysore's Decline: The Factors Contributing to Its Fall from the Top Cleanest City to the Top Five in India

Mysore, a city that was once the crown jewel of cleanliness in India, has recently slipped from the top position to the top five. This article explores the multifaceted factors contributing to this decline, including urbanization, population growth, waste management issues, competition from other cities, sustainability practices, and the impact of public participation.

Increased Urbanization

With rapid urban growth comes numerous challenges, particularly in the areas of waste management, sanitation, and infrastructure. As cities grow and expand, the complexity of maintaining cleanliness standards increases significantly. The infrastructure may struggle to keep pace with the rising volume of waste, leading to issues like litter, improper disposal, and overall cleanliness degradation.

Population Growth

An increasing population places additional strain on existing waste management systems, resulting in higher levels of litter and insufficient disposal facilities. This exacerbates the challenge of keeping the city clean, making it harder for even the most well-planned cities, like Mysore, to maintain their previous ranking.

Waste Management Issues

The performance of municipal authorities in waste collection, segregation, and processing is critical to cleanliness maintenance. If these processes are not adequately executed, it can lead to a significant decline in overall cleanliness. This often results in garbage accumulating on streets and public spaces, undermining the city's efforts to remain clean.

Competition from Other Cities

The rise of other cities like Indore and Surat has posed a competitive challenge. These cities have invested heavily in advanced waste management technologies and infrastructure, often surpassing Mysore in cleanliness rankings. Initiatives such as Indore's zero waste management system, where city waste is recycled and reused, have significantly enhanced the city's cleanliness and sustainability.

Sustainability Practices

Cities that adopt sustainable practices in waste management and public awareness campaigns gain a competitive edge. These cities often perform better in cleanliness rankings, as they not only manage waste effectively but also educate and engage their citizens in the process of maintaining cleanliness. For instance, Indore's initiative has turned city dumpsites into gardens, showcasing the power of sustainable approaches.

Public Participation

The involvement of citizens is crucial to maintaining cleanliness. A decline in community engagement can negatively impact overall cleanliness. Mysore, like other cities, faces the challenge of mobilizing citizens to participate in cleanliness drives and maintain public spaces. Improved community engagement can significantly enhance a city's cleanliness efforts.

Historical Context: The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

Until 2017, India was divided into five divisions for cleanliness rankings, with each division scoring based on a 19-point system. Mysore consistently ranked among the top cities during this period. Chandigarh and Mysore, being notably cleaner than other cities, often topped the rankings due to a lack of competition. However, with the rise of initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), other cities began to take cleanliness seriously. They invested in new technologies, such as Indore's innovative waste management systems, which led to zero waste overheads and transformed city dumpsites into gardens.

These improvements have created a more competitive landscape for cities like Mysore. While Mysore was once a beacon of cleanliness, it now faces the challenge of staying at the top of the rankings. Cities need to focus on long-term planning and significant investment to maintain their cleanliness standards. The current assessment criteria now considers area and population, making it necessary for Mysore to make a concerted effort to stay at the top.

For Mysore, the road ahead is clear. Greater emphasis on urban planning, sustainable waste management, and community engagement is essential. As other cities continue to innovate and improve, Mysore must also evolve to keep its place among the cleanest cities in India.

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