Chandigarh, 08 June (H.S.): In a

first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at improving urban sanitation across the

state, Punjab Local Government Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Monday launched

‘Mission Clean Punjab’, a technology-driven cleanliness campaign that will

require civic officials at all levels to conduct daily field inspections from 7

a.m. to 8 a.m.

Launching the ambitious drive at the Local Government

Department headquarters in Chandigarh, Bains reviewed the first day’s progress

through video conferencing with officials deployed across the state. He said

the mission would be supported by an artificial intelligence (AI)-integrated

mobile application, surprise inspections and weekly progress reports to ensure

accountability and visible improvements in cleanliness.

Under the initiative, every urban local body in Punjab

will be divided into 10-kilometre zones, each supervised by senior officers,

including Additional Deputy Commissioners (ADCs), Municipal Corporation

Commissioners, Joint Commissioners and Executive Officers. These officers will

be required to visit their assigned areas daily and submit reports on

sanitation conditions and remedial measures taken.

Harjot Singh Bains emphasized that the campaign is not a

one-time event but a sustained effort to improve cleanliness standards across

Punjab’s cities and towns. He said all officers must remain available on video

calls and carry smartphones with working cameras and internet connectivity to

facilitate real-time monitoring through the AI-powered application.

The minister also announced that surprise inspections

would be conducted across the state and that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann

would personally monitor the campaign. He warned that any officer could receive

a call from the Chief Minister or the department at any time regarding the

progress of the mission.

Bains said the objective is to ensure that sanitation

staff, supervisors and senior civic officials are visible on the ground and

actively engaged in maintaining cleanliness. He urged citizens to report areas

where improvements are not visible.

Describing the initiative as a major step towards transforming urban

sanitation, the minister said ‘Mission Clean Punjab’ has been launched under

the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to ensure that every city

and town in Punjab becomes cleaner, healthier and more livable for residents.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH