Bhopal, November , 2024,To address the challenges posed by inadequate cleaning of gram panchayats and individual household toilets, the Chhindwara district administration has introduced an innovative initiative called “Swachhata Saathi Wash on Wheels” (WoW). This pioneering effort, launched on September 26, 2024, by Governor Mangubhai Patel at Chhind Village in Tamia Block, is setting a benchmark for modern sanitation solutions.
Revolutionizing Hygiene: Objectives and Benefits
The “Wash on Wheels” service utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and safety gear to enable sanitation workers, termed “Swachhata Saathis,” to clean institutional and household toilets effectively. This initiative not only improves overall hygiene but also provides a safe and sustainable livelihood for sanitation workers.
The service ensures routine cleaning of community toilets in gram panchayats, schools, Anganwadi centers, panchayat buildings, health centers, and hostels. Furthermore, it promotes the cleaning of individual household toilets as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, encouraging a culture of cleanliness.
Service Clusters and Advanced Technology
To streamline operations, the district has been divided into 11 service clusters, each consisting of 10 panchayats. Currently, all clusters are operational. The sanitation workers receive training, route charts, and contracts to ensure efficiency.
Cutting-edge equipment such as battery-operated and electric washing machines, uniforms, gloves, masks, helmets, and other safety gear have been provided. This not only ensures effective cleaning but also prioritizes the safety of sanitation workers.
Service Charges and Income Model
The initiative operates on an affordable fee structure:
- ₹200 for a unit located within 0-5 km.
- ₹250 for a unit located beyond 5 km.
Sanitation workers earn a monthly income ranging between ₹25,000 and ₹30,000, with operational costs such as fuel and supplies averaging around ₹3,000 to ₹3,500.
Monitoring and Future Expansion
At the gram panchayat level, secretaries and officers oversee the service, while at the block level, the CEO and related officials ensure its smooth functioning. The district administration plans to expand the initiative by adding more clusters and sanitation workers.
Future upgrades include integrating online and offline booking systems, introducing QR codes, and developing a mobile application for seamless user experience and monitoring.
A Model for Nationwide Hygiene
The “Wash on Wheels” initiative represents a bold and innovative step in the sanitation sector. By effectively addressing hygiene challenges and aligning with the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, it establishes a model for other districts and states to emulate. Chhindwara’s approach could serve as a source of inspiration for nationwide adoption.
Keywords: Wash on Wheels, Chhindwara sanitation, Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, innovative hygiene solutions, Swachhata Saathi, modern sanitation technology.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
Authentic news.
