Poor response slows Belagavi’s Swachh Survekshan drive

Belagavi: The Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) has launched a citizen feedback drive under the Swachh Bharat Mission (City II), but officials say public participation remains low. Under Swachh Survekshan 2026 norms, at least 5% of the city’s population must submit feedback through QR codes on cleanliness and civic services. However, authorities said citizens have shown limited interest in registering and sharing their views, affecting the campaign’s progress.

Officials warned that failure to meet participation targets could impact Belagavi’s Swachh ranking and result in reduced central urban development grants. The corporation has stepped up awareness efforts and appealed to residents to join the feedback process to improve the city’s performance.

Citizen Response 2026 forms part of the Swachh Bharat Mission. Officials said every citizen’s response is crucial for the city’s cleanliness and development. As per the 2011 census, around 35,000 of the city’s 6.5 lakh population must participate in the exercise. However, despite several days since its launch, the target has not been met. So far, around 23,000 citizens have registered and responded. The slow pace has been attributed to lack of awareness and public apathy. Over 55 officers and staff have been deployed to ensure the BCC meets its targets.

Corporation representatives are visiting institutions and public places to boost participation. Officials cautioned that failure to collect the required feedback could affect Belagavi’s Swachh Survekshan ranking, while corporators said it may also lead to a cut in central govt grants for urban development.

BCC commissioner Kartik M said the Swachh Bharat Mission, launched in 2016, aims to create a better civic environment based on people’s feedback. The govt also awards star ratings and incentives to cities prioritising cleanliness. The survey includes five sets of questions covering waste and toilet management, and citizens can respond by scanning campaign QR codes. He urged residents to actively participate and cooperate.

Officials added that feedback is collected across three age groups—20 to 35, below 60, and above 60. Scores are finalised after compiling citizens’ responses and suggestions.