Also awarded 5-star garbage-free city rating

Recently, I participated in a celebratory event in my society as my city, Noida, had ranked top on Swachh Sarvekshan Survey – an initiative by the government of India. One thing I always admire about my society –is its focus on cleanliness. It may not be a fancy high rise with many luxurious facilities, but Century in Sector 100 is spacious with sprawling gardens and a deep sense of awareness about the environment and keeping our surroundings clean.

However, this was not always the case. The same ground where the event is being hosted and children play, was a dumping ground – a breeding space for infections just a few years ago. Our RWA collaborated and HCLF’s Clean Noida Project together were able to turn around the situation. HCLF cleared all the waste from the dumping ground and educated all residents and cleanliness staff about waste segregation. HCLF built a huge composting pit and there is enough manure to take care of all the plants. There are trees, flower beds and beautiful wall arts, thanks to the foundation and their rigorous efforts.

On weekends, the RWA members gather to work on the different aspects of society. There are beautiful corners that have been created through simple ‘best out of waste’ exercises. There are benches where plastic bottles have been used instead of bricks to utilize the waste. Leftover tiles to paint cans, all have been used as planters or to decorate the walls and paths.

At the event, a senior society member, Pawan Yadav, while thanking HCLF said, “They have created awareness and enabled improvement through prompt action. Years of door-to-door collections and training of the waste collection staff has enabled this change. The team HCLF has been prompt with support and guidance. The Clean Noida Project team is a bunch of dynamic people who recognize the problem and strive for a solution.”

Another gentleman, Suresh Verma addressed the importance of green revolution and protection of plants. He told the children present about the environmental concerns and how we should continue the hard work and build an exemplary city.”

The event culminated with games, quizzes and distribution of sweets. The work done by HCLF is commendable and inspirational. We thank them and hope to receive their continued support.

Also awarded 5-star garbage-free city rating

Noida, December: We all aspire to live in the cleanest possible surroundings, but seldom take ownership for it. Noida, a part of the NCR that has been emerging as a well-planned global city for both residents and businesses, set an example for all the rapidly developing cities with its miraculous display of grit, determination and responsibility. The city recently bagged the Cleanest Medium City (population of 3-10 Lakh) in Swachh Survekshan 2021, an annual survey of cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation in India.

“Noida deserves rank 1 in the list of cleanest cities, and I hope all the NGOs will work even harder to make it happen. Big thanks to HCLF’s Clean Noida project for establishing Noida’s Integrated Command Control Centre. HCLF has a huge role in helping us to sensitise villages and making sure that this movement reaches the rural areas of Noida,” said Ms Ritu Maheshwari, Chief, Noida Authority, as she thanked and congratulated all the partners working for this movement. The high rank achieved in Swachh Survekshan Survey 2021, is a miraculous victory as in 2018 the city was at 384th position and is the 4th cleanest in the country now.

This has been a result of months of organised and structured efforts by the foundation. On-ground campaigns and door-to-door awareness surveys were conducted to drive behavioral change in citizens. Cleanliness staff was trained regularly on how to segregate waste and best practices to manage solid waste. HCLF not only trained the staff and residents through campaigns, it also distributed litter bins, collection carts and was involved in city beautification activities through wall art and graffiti.

“The Clean Noida Project works with over 90 RWAs across the city. The residents of these sectors are grateful for the initiatives and knowledge imparted by the foundation. It takes years to drive a behavioral change. Clean Noida has been working rigorously since 2018 to ensure Noida emerges as a clean city. Our aim is to look at development, hygiene and ensure people live in peace and harmony,” said Mr Laxmi Narayin, President, RWA, Sector 19.

The city has also received a 5-star garbage-free city rating, a higher achievement from having received a 3-star garbage-free city rating in 2020. They have adopted about 8 villages as part of their Chakachak Village initiative. The workers have worked relentlessly to ensure these areas are converted into model villages. The village homes have their own composting pits and are being trained to convert into zero waste villages.

There have been celebratory events in marketplaces, villages and RWAs to keep the awareness going. Cleanliness is equal to Godliness – the adage comes alive as you see the Clean Noida team in action. One can only hope the whole country takes an inspiration from their exemplary work.