Patna: Patna and Gaya Ji have been selected among 50 cities across the country under PRAGATI-50, an initiative launched under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 to strengthen urban sanitation systems and promote innovative approaches to cleanliness and waste management.
The programme was launched on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar. Bihar Urban Development and Housing Minister Nitish Mishra participated in the launch virtually.
Patna And Gaya Among 50 Cities
Mishra said 50 cities across 24 states have been selected under PRAGATI-50, with Patna and Gaya Ji representing Bihar.
The initiative aims to go beyond routine cleanliness activities and develop cities as models for sustainable and high-performance sanitation. The selected cities will focus on strengthening sanitation systems, solid waste management, used water management, modern technology and citizen participation.
The Union government has also been emphasising improved solid waste management infrastructure and faster implementation of sanitation-related systems under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0.
Focus On Innovation And Technology
According to Mishra, PRAGATI-50 will encourage innovative local-level solutions to sanitation challenges.
The programme will also involve different stakeholders in efforts to create cleaner and healthier urban environments. The selected cities are expected to demonstrate practices that can subsequently serve as models for other cities.
Bihar To Develop Two Sanitation Models
Mishra said the selection of Patna and Gaya Ji was a matter of pride for Bihar and would provide fresh momentum to sanitation and urban development efforts in the two cities.
The state government, he said, would work towards developing both cities as models of sanitation by strengthening cleanliness, solid waste management, used water management, modern technology and citizen participation.
The minister said the initiative would also facilitate the implementation of sanitation-related innovations and help improve urban amenities for residents.
Focus On Tourist And Economic Centres
PRAGATI-50 covers major cities as well as cities of cultural significance, tourist destinations and economic centres.
The programme aims to bring visible improvements in urban sanitation, solid waste management, used water management, sanitation infrastructure and citizen participation.
The initiative is being positioned as part of the broader national effort to strengthen sustainable urban sanitation and improve the quality of urban life.
