Govt to launch Swachh app today for a cleaner, greener Bengal

Kolkata: In a ‘Swachh Bharat’ push, the state municipal affairs department on Saturday will launch the Swachh App, a dedicated, geo-tagged mobile application for cleanliness.The app will be launched in the presence of Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar and CM Suvendu Adhikari. “We are open to all kinds of ideas. Please come up with new ideas on how to make our city and state more beautiful, clean and on ways to recycle everything,” state municipal affairs department minister Agnimitra Paul said at a session organised by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industries on Friday.Paul reiterated that from Sept 1, a fine would be imposed across all municipal areas for littering on roads. “We are starting the pilot project from 10 municipal areas, where citizens can take a photo of accumulated waste and upload it on the app. The precise location will be instantly sent to municipal teams for them to reach the spot and clean the waste within two hours,” she said.Paul said that the state planned to develop new cities and smart cities. “We plan to develop four new cities in north Bengal and turn four cities, including Asansol, Nabadwip, Tamluk and Siliguri, into smart cities. We will have a discussion with the Union minister on Saturday,” Paul said. “We will ask the Union minister for funds to execute the plans in the next one year. Roads are on our list. Road repair is on top of the list and work will start after the monsoon.”Earlier in the day, Paul posted on X: “Happy to announce the launch of the #Swachha App in Kolkata on May 30 by Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar Ji, in the presence of Suvendu Adhikari Ji and other esteemed dignitaries and officials. The Swachha App marks a significant step towards a cleaner, smarter, more transparent and responsive Bengal, empowering citizens to actively participate in improving civic services through technology, accountability and citizen engagement.” “Let us work together to build a cleaner, greener, smarter and more developed Bengal. Through technology, transparency, active citizen participation and collective support, every voice can contribute towards better civic services and a better future for our state. Together, let us build a cleaner, greener and more developed Bangla,” Paul posted on X.