‘Clean and Attractive’ makeover for our marvelous heritage sites under ‘Swachch’ mission

New Delhi, November 22: Centre has selected 10 sites under ‘Swachch’ initiative for phase 2. The sites include Hyderabad’s Charminar, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Mahakaleshwar temple, Ujjain, Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, Goa, Kaladi in Ernakulam, Gomateshwar in Shravanbelgola, Baijnath Dham, Devghar, Gaya in Bihar and Somnath temple in Gujarat. These all sites are been selected under ‘Swachch Iconic Site’ (SIS) and will soon be developed again and will be given the iconic makeover. 

A two day National Consultation of Swachh Iconic Places (SIP), an initiative of Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation under Swachh Bharat Mission kicked off at New Delhi. Representatives from 20 Iconic Sites including Central and State officials, representatives of iconic places and Corporate and development partners including World Bank joined the consultations.

In all, 100 iconic cities would be identified across the country for development with focus on sanitation. Charminar has been picked as one among 100 such iconic sites, with each place being supported by a public sector unit for additional financing, technical and managerial requirements.

In Charminar's case, the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) is planning to work with local authorities for cleanliness around the monument. Despite being restored, the structure still faces a threat from fumes, vibrations, dust and smoke.

“The complete ambience of Charminar is set for a makeover. No specific amount has been decided yet. We will draw up a plan that will bring glory to the monument,” said Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) commissioner B Janardhan.

In all 10 places were selected; Hyderabad’s Charminar, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Mahakaleshwar temple, Ujjain, Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, Goa, Kaladi in Ernakulam, Gomateshwar in Shravanbelgola, Baijnath Dham, Devghar, Gaya in Bihar and Somnath temple in Gujarat, a press release stated. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is also busy carrying out conservation and repair works on the monument and its pillars itself of Hyderabad.

Charminar, which was built during Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah's rule in 1591, is a protected structure, as any construction within 200 meters around the monument can only be done after permission is obtained from the ASI and the National Monument Authority.

Initiated as a project to implement Prime Minister’s vision to take iconic places and their surroundings to higher standards of Swachhata, so that all visitors benefit and also take away home the message of cleanliness, Swachh Iconic Places is now in its second phase. Phase II Iconic sites formulated their Action Plans based on their site needs in consultation with experts and based on learning from phase I implementation.

Meanwhile Phase I iconic sites reported notable initiatives taken like improved sewage infrastructure, drainage facilities, installation of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), improved sanitation facilities, water vending machines (Water ATMs), Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) set-up, structure restoration, roads maintenance, Lighting arrangements, beautification of parks, better transport facilities in approach and access areas besides at the main sites.