Depalpur rises from rank 1,710 to second in Swachh Shehar Jodi with Indore's help

Depalpur, paired with Indore, has secured second place in the country in the Swachh Shehar Jodi category of Swachh Survekshan 2025-26. On cleanliness parameters, Depalpur was once ranked below 1,700 nationally. A large rally was taken out in Indore to welcome Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava on the achievement.

Indore's cleanliness model helped Depalpur with technical guidance, personnel and better waste management practices. Depalpur moved up from among the lowest-ranked cities in Madhya Pradesh to become the first city to achieve zero legacy waste under the Swachh Shehar Jodi initiative. The partnership began in September 2025 under the Centre's "learn from one, teach another" initiative.

The first task was to strengthen door-to-door waste collection. Vehicles with six compartments now collect waste from 3,269 households and 868 shops and establishments. Fixed routes were drawn up for regular collection.

Second, Indore's method of segregating waste into four streams was introduced in Depalpur. Residents were asked to segregate waste at home so that it would be easier to collect, recycle and process.

The third and biggest task was clearing a five-year-old garbage heap. The Indore Municipal Corporation provided technical know-how and heavy machinery, and deployed more than 500 waste pickers to work alongside Depalpur Nagar Parishad staff. About 1,250 metric tonnes of old waste was disposed of scientifically, and 2.2 acres of land was reclaimed.

Fourth, 4.5 tonnes of recyclable material such as plastic, metal and glass was recovered during the work and sold to authorised recyclers. About 50 to 60 tonnes of refuse derived fuel (RDF) was sent to the NEPRA plant in Indore, where it is used in cement making.

Fifth, NGOs were engaged in all 15 wards to monitor cleanliness and prevent waste from accumulating. A fine of Rs 25,000 was also introduced for garbage heaps found on roads.

Sixth, 2,568 information, education and communication (IEC) activities were held in six months. These encouraged people to adopt better habits of waste disposal and cleanliness.

Seventh, 200 saplings were planted at the site after the garbage heap was removed. The historic Surajkund stepwell was revived. Wall paintings and plastic-free zones changed the look of the town. The reclaimed land is planned to be turned into a public space for cricket and community events.

Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava credited the achievement to the combined efforts of the two cities. He said the honour belonged to the people and institutions of both cities. At the rally, he handed over the cleanliness award to a senior woman sanitation worker.