Cleaning up: Chief Minister KCR launches 'Swachh Hyderabad'

Hyderabad: It was a busy Saturday with 36,000 officials on their toes since 4 pm. The roads witnessed heavy traffic after the formal launch of Swachh Hyderabad at HICC.

All patrons, including the Governor, the Chief Minister, MPs, MLAs and top officials, visited their respected wards. The visits will continue on Sunday. Saturday was a day of cleaning for Hyderabad, as thousands of tonnes of garbage and debris were cleared. Meetings were held with colony representatives to chalk out action plans. Each of the patrons will be given Rs 50 lakh for ward development. The Centre has provided Rs 75 crore as a special aid for the Swachh Hyderabad programme.

Speaking on the occasion, TS Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said, “Despite having a distinct and unique identity, Hyderabad lacks perfect mechanism for sanitation and cleanliness. To bridge this gap, the Telangana government has launched the Swachh Hyderabad campaign to turn Hyderabad into a clean and green city.”

He said that the concept of clean environment was first mooted by Mahatma Gandhi, and that inspired Prime Minister Narendra Modi to launch the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan. Taking it forward, the state has decided to launch the Swachh Telangana — Swachh Hyderabad programme.

A logo, CD and Facebook Page of the ‘Swachh Hyderabad’ campaign was launched as well. The CM said that the state government would spend Rs 200 crore on the programme. The Centre has sanctioned Rs 75 crore for the same.

“Swachh Hyderabad would be unique in many ways where the government would involve local residents in making their localities clean and green. It will be launched in other parts of state soon.”

Instant repair vans especially for road repair and garbage lifting will tour every part of the city.