In three years, this commerce-driven city has seen a complete transformation. Here’s how it happened.
It is a truth universally acknowleged fact that a hungry man in possession of a good appetite, must visit ‘Sarafa’ in Indore. Jewellery bazaar by day, street food paradise by night – catering to locals as well as tourists. On this visit, it’s the same fabulous Joshiji ke dahiwade and Vijay ki kachori, washed down with a tall glass of shikanji. But something is different.
There is no leftover food, no dirty plates, no garbage to be seen – anywhere.
I am witnessing with my own eyes what the Swachh Sarvekshan Survey had declared on May 4, 2017. Indore is now ranked the cleanest city in India (a massive leap from 149th position in 2014). So, how did this happen? The credit goes to a small but crack team of like-minded, public-spirited people. Fuelled by passion and systematic planning, determined to make it happen.
The story begins long before the launch of the Swachh Bharat mission. Back in 2005, MSW graduate Shrigopal Jagtap joined Indian Grameen Services (IGS), a Section 25 company owned by Basix Microfinance. Jagtap is an amiable young chap who speaks shudh Hindi with a touch of ‘Malwi’ (a dialect spoken in the Malwa plateau of MP).
“Parivaar mein akela main hi job kar raha hoon,” says Jagtap. “Wo bhi in the field of kachra.”
The mandate of IGS was to test out various models of development and implement pilot progammes. Thus young Jagtap’s first brush with the ‘industry’ was a project which set up a plastic recycling unit, to augment the income of ragpickers. But the unit was often idle, as ragpickers did not have a reliable source of plastic waste. Nor did they have any rights over it.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Pension Scheme - Safety Net
The move to introduce the UPS has evoked mixed reactions. Analysts believe its funding will have limited impact on the fiscal math
The Reit Choice?
Real Estate Investment Trusts (Reits) Are Gaining Traction As Interest Rates Stabilise. But Returns Could Be Affected By Adverse Economic Conditions And Market Volatility
CORPORATE - Calling to Account
The sudden exit of Byju's auditor BDO marks the latest in a long series of setbacks for the edtech firm
EMPLOYMENT: Skills Push
The skill development ministry plans to partner with the UGC to improve the employability of undergraduates
Building on a Vision
L&T'S CHAIRMAN EMERITUS A. M. NAIK HAS BUILT A MAMMOTH ENTERPRISE THAT IS BUILDING A NEW INDIA, FROM ITS METRO RAIL SYSTEMS TO THE RAM TEMPLE
"KYS more important than KYC"
Vijay Kedia is a renowned equity investor; the value of his listed portfolio stands at around ₹1,750 crore
ROXX STAR
THE THAR ROXX COMBINES LUXURY WITH PERFORMANCE TO MAKE A STRONG STATEMENT IN THE MID-SIZE SUV SEGMENT
HIT THE GROUND RUNNING
Smartwatches have become indispensable tools for runners, offering real-time insights into pace, distance, heart rate, and more. Here are a few you can consider
TURNING THE TABLES
INDIA'S FURNITURE MARKET IS POISED FOR A GLOBAL TAKE-OFF. ALREADY, A HOST OF GLOBAL BRANDS HAVE MADE THE COUNTRY THEIR HOME, BUT INDIAN COMPANIES ARE NOT TOO FAR BEHIND
THE EVOLUTION OF ATHERA
IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES IN ADVANCE HAS STOOD THIS BENGALURU-BASED VC FUND IN GOOD STEAD. NOW, WITH A HEIGHTENED FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY, IT WANTS TO SUSTAIN THE SUCCESS