Chandigarh, June 8 (IANS) In a first-of-its-kind move to improve urban sanitation, Punjab Local Government Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Monday launched ‘Mission Clean Punjab’, a technology-driven drive that will put all civic officials, from top to bottom, on the ground daily from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Unveiling ‘Mission Clean Punjab’ at the department’s headquarters here, Bains reviewed the drive’s first day through video calls with field officials.

He said the initiative will be powered by an AI-integrated mobile application, surprise checks and weekly progress reports on cleanliness.

Under the initiative, Bains said every urban local body will be divided into 10-km zones, each headed by a supervisory officer, including Additional Deputy Commissioners, Municipal Corporation Commissioners, Joint Commissioners and other officials.

All officers will conduct mandatory field visits daily from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. The minister will also carry out surprise checks across Punjab.

Supervisory officers will submit daily reports.

During the drive, all officers must carry a smartphone with a working camera and internet connectivity, Bains said, adding: “Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will monitor the drive. Any officer can get a call from the Chief Minister or me at any time. Today I am at the head office; tomorrow I could be in Mohali, Amritsar, Bathinda, Fazilka or Jaito.”

The minister further said that an AI-powered app will track real-time progress.

The officers will remain available on video calls and surprise random checks can be conducted anywhere without prior notice.

He made it clear that the drive aims for visible, documented results.

“From sanitation staff to MC commissioners, everyone will be on streets and lanes so people can see the impact on the ground. If it’s still not visible, tell us directly.”

This cleanliness drive is being carried out on Chief Minister Mann’s directions to ensure every city and town in Punjab looks clean, he added.

–IANS

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