Bathinda cleanest city in state for 3rd year in a row; slips nationally

Bathinda Bathinda has emerged as the cleanest city of Punjab for the third consecutive year, but its national ranking at 79th has seen a steep fall from 31st position in 2019. In 2018, Punjab finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal’s assembly constituency was not even in the top 100, securing the 104th position.

Municipal commissioner Bikram Shergill said the corporation team worked hard, but the interpretation of ‘garbage-free city’ lead to loss of points. “As per Swachh Survekshan parameters, a commercial ward requires sweeping twice a day. Certain areas in the old locality of Bathinda have shops, even in residential areas. An independent agency hired by the central authorities said such areas are considered commercial areas and not residential zones. On this account, Bathinda lost 1,000 points. We will analyse to match up to given standards,” said Shergill, adding that garbage collection remained functional and hygiene levels were maintained in the city limits, even during lockdown, he added.

Ferozepur, at 96th position, registered a considerable improvement as it ranked 174 in 2019.

Muktsar, the home town of SAD patron Parkash Singh Badal did not change much. This time it was placed number 135 whereas, in 2019, the city had ranked 138. Moga city has secured 148th position; it ranked 185 rank last year.

Abohar, the hometown of Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar, has been tagged as the third filthiest local body among 382 municipalities graded across the country. Its All-India position is 380, and it is ranked 14th in Punjab.