Indore targets slum transformation ahead of Swachh Survekshan 2026

Indore: Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) on Tuesday launched ‘Basti Bemisal' campaign to revamp 29 selected slums, integrating them into the core of Indore's world-class sanitation model ahead of Swachh Survekshan 2026.The campaign was inaugurated at Shiv Nagar (near Bombay Hospital) in Ward 31 by Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav and Municipal Commissioner Kshitij Singhal. In a symbolic gesture of the ‘People First' approach, both officials picked up brooms to clean the local streets alongside residents. They also had tea at home of a slum resident, where they discussed the community's role in maintaining city's top rank.At a ‘Swachh Chaupal' held near local water tank, they engaged in a direct dialogue with women and youth regarding waste management. Mayor posed questions to test the community's awareness, including segregating waste into required categories and maintaining cleanliness outside the gates as diligently as locals do inside their homes."Our slums are as much a part of our pride as our elite colonies. Through this campaign, we want to ensure every ‘Red Spot' (open dumping/spitting) is eliminated," he said.Singhal said that these 29 areas, including Ganga Bai Basti and Lasudia Mori, are vital to city's 2026 bid. "By involving every resident in this carnival of cleanliness, we are not just preparing for a survey—we are improving the quality of life of thousands," Singhal said.Pointers‘Basti Bemisal' CampaignFive-day plan (March 18–22) that involves intensive beautification, plantation drives, and deep cleaning across 29 slumsSurvey & competition to identify cleanest and most beautiful basti3R Haat to showcase products made from recycled wasteRecognise sanitation workers & resident ‘Swachhata Champions'Sports events, wall paintings, & community performances to be organisedCampaign to culminate in a slum carnival on March 23