India launches PRAGATI-50 to develop 50 model sanitation cities

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has launched the PRAGATI-50 initiative to develop 50 model sanitation cities across 24 Indian states. Launched under the framework of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, the program aims to establish high benchmarks for urban cleanliness through technology-enabled monitoring and structured oversight.

The selected cities include major economic hubs, cultural centers, and high-tourism destinations, such as Bhubaneswar and Puri in Odisha. The initiative focuses on improving visible cleanliness, solid waste management, used water management, and citizen participation. To ensure progress, a digital review mechanism has been established on the Swachhatam Portal, and the Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, intends to personally chair review meetings every two months.

Additional components of the launch include the onboarding of a third cohort of Swachhata startups in collaboration with IIT Kanpur and the introduction of the Swachh Bharat Test Bed by CSIR-CMERI. The goal is to transform these selected locations into role models that help other urban centers achieve the objective of becoming garbage-free cities.