Thiruvananthapuram Rises to 89th Rank in Swachh Survekshan with ‘Water Plus’ Certification

Thiruvananthapuram Municipality has made a significant leap in the Swachh Survekshan rankings, the country’s largest cleanliness survey led by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The rankings are based on key indicators such as segregated waste collection and disposal, solid waste FC treatment, legacy waste management, sanitation awareness, liquid waste treatment, Safai Mitra Suraksha, G. Rating, and Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.From a national ranking of 2613th in 2023, Thiruvananthapuram has surged to the 89th position this year. It also became the first municipal corporation in Kerala to earn the ‘Water Plus’ certification—the highest level in the ODF category. Kochi, Kalpetta, and Guruvayur municipalities secured the ODF++ rating, while 77 others received ODF+ status. In 2023, only one municipality in the state had managed to achieve at least an ODF++ certification.This accomplishment stands as a testament to Kerala’s intensified efforts in waste management and pollution control through the Malinyamuktha Navakeralam campaign, launched in response to the Brahmapuram fire incident.