GUWAHATI: To promote sustainability during the festive season, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has launched the second edition of its Cleanliness Competition among Durga Puja committees in the city. This initiative, which began last year, aims to award Puja committees that implement the most sustainable practices, with prizes ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000.
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During a press briefing on Monday, October 7 Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania announced the prize structure: “The first prize of ₹10,000 will be awarded to 25 committees, the second prize of ₹7,000 will go to 50 committees, and 100 committees will receive ₹5,000 as the third prize. In total, 175 Puja committees will be recognised.”
He also noted that around 150 Puja committees have already confirmed their participation, with more expected to join. The competition will run from tomorrow until Diwali when the awards will be distributed.
The GMC has also issued Swachh Bharat Mission-aligned guidelines for participating committees, which include bans on single-use plastics, proper waste disposal systems, the engagement of cleaning staff, installation of dustbins, and coordination for garbage disposal. Committees will be scored out of 70 marks based on their adherence to these guidelines. Mayor Sarania also mentioned that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) involved in waste management will be recognised for their contributions.
Additionally, a similar cleanliness competition will be held among the city’s wards, running until January 2025. "The first prize for the wards will be ₹10 lakh for development, followed by ₹7 lakh for the second prize and ₹5 lakh for the third,” the mayor said.
Emphasising the importance of collective effort, the mayor encouraged NGOs, councils, and Puja committees to work together to maintain cleanliness in the city. “We have adopted the slogan ‘Our Guwahati is our Responsibility’, and this will be displayed at all Puja pandals,” Mayor Sarania concluded.