India’s cleanest city, Indore has a Telugu connection. No, its not the legendary Indian cricketer C.K. Nayudu who served the Holkar’s Army with aplomb, but a man with similar heroics has turned the nation’s head towards it with his exemplary work on cleanliness.
Parikipandla Narahari, the Indore Collector, who is hogging the limelight for his innovative approach to cleanliness putting the city on the nation’s map, hails from Karimnagar. The officer was the prime reason for the royal city bagging the first position in the Government of India’s Swach Sarvekshan this year.
Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Narahari said it was a two-year journey that came to fruition. Last year, rural Indore was declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) and the same strategies were brought to urban Indore. First, all the open defacation sites were identified and closed and alternative arrangements were made. Officials visited the areas from 4 a.m. and also later in the evening to motivate people to use toilets. “It worked with the support of municipal staff and political parties,” said the Karimnagar’s son.
Indore is now 100% litter free as well and Mr. Narahari took the decision to remove all litter bins from the city road corners. “Removing all the bins was a first step and imposition of heavy fines coupled with convincing people on door-to-door collection of garbage made it possible.”
A song with title “Ho Halla” was created and is now played on all garbage collection vehicles. Bollywood singer, Shaan rendered it and it now wakes up people early in the morning. Even the kids hum it given its catchy tune. The Collector attributes the success to people’s participation and says the effort was made with sincerity and some tough action against the erring.
The 2001 batch officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre seems to be in the habit of leaving his mark wherever he goes. As Collector of Gwalior earlier he left an indelible impression on the city converting it into physically challenged-friendly city with ramps and railings at most public places.
Mr. Narahari who did his schooling from India Mission Secondary School at Basant Nagar near Karimnagar attended the AP Residential Junior College at Nimmakuru in Krishna district for his Intermediate. He completed his Engineering from Vasavi College of Engineering before cracking the Civils.
The ‘Telangana bidda’ is already sharing his experiences with his batchmates in Telangana to be replicated and wouldn’t shy from working here given an opportunity. Smita Sabarhwal, Additional Secretary in the Telangana CMO is his batchmate.
