Himachal Pradesh CM Launches ‘Swachh Shehar Samridh Shehar’ and Citizen Service Portal to Enhance Urban Development
- HIMACHALPOLITICSSHIMLA
- February 5, 2025
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Shimla, February 5: In a significant step towards modernizing urban governance and promoting cleanliness, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the ‘Swachh Shehar Samridh Shehar’ (Clean City-Prosperous City) program along with the Citizen Service Portal. The initiative aims to streamline urban services and enhance the ease of living for residents by leveraging digital governance. The Citizen Service Portal, developed under the “One State-One Portal” framework, will be accessible through citizenseva.hp.gov.in, offering essential services to urban dwellers.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister emphasized that these initiatives mark a transformational shift in urban development, integrating technology for seamless service delivery. The Citizen Service Portal is designed as an end-to-end online solution for all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across Himachal Pradesh. In its initial phase, the platform will offer nine key services, seven of which cater to the needs of the citizens, while two are dedicated to ULB management. Services such as trade license applications, property tax management, grievance redressal, and booking of community places will now be available online, making the process more accessible and efficient. Over time, the number of services on the portal is expected to expand to 45, covering a wide range of public utilities.
A crucial aspect of the new digital platform is the creation of garbage IDs for 2.82 lakh households in urban areas. These IDs will facilitate organized waste collection and systematic bill issuance. The Chief Minister also announced plans to provide digital identity plates to all registered units in the future, ensuring a well-structured approach to urban waste management. He reiterated that the government’s primary focus remains on improving the ease of living by adopting modern technology to drive inclusive and sustainable development. Previously, traditional methods were used across ULBs, but with the introduction of these digital services, efficiency levels have seen a remarkable improvement.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to environmental protection and urban sustainability, the Chief Minister stated that a robust system has been developed for garbage collection and disposal across the state. Modern facilities are being set up to ensure scientific waste management, and additional urban infrastructure, including parks and parking spaces, is being expanded. As a result of these efforts, Shimla has secured the top position in the national Ease of Living Index, reflecting the state’s commitment to improving urban quality of life. With the active participation of citizens, Himachal Pradesh is set to become a model state in e-governance and citizen empowerment.
The Chief Minister also underlined the government’s broader focus on public welfare, particularly in healthcare and drinking water facilities. He revealed that the government has formulated a plan to implement world-class technology for water purification. A pilot project is set to be launched in Shimla, where advanced ozone and UV technology will be used to ensure clean and safe drinking water for residents.
As part of these urban reforms, ‘Samadhan Shivirs’ (resolution camps) will be organized at the ward level in all ULBs starting from February 10, 2025. These camps will focus on resolving public grievances efficiently and providing citizens with direct access to administrative solutions. Additionally, a large-scale awareness campaign under the ‘Swachh Shehar Samridh Shehar’ initiative will run for two months across urban areas to educate people about cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
During the event, the Chief Minister also announced financial assistance of ₹10.62 lakh per urban local body to newly formed ULBs to procure garbage collection vehicles. In another move toward digitalization, he handed over POS machines to ULB representatives to facilitate online payments, making financial transactions smoother and more transparent.
To further reinforce urban planning and sustainability, two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the Urban Development Department and IIT Ropar as well as GIZ. These partnerships aim to enhance research, innovation, and waste management techniques, ensuring large-scale improvements in cleanliness and environmental conservation. Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh stressed that the government is adopting long-term strategies to address urbanization challenges while ensuring that cities develop in a planned and sustainable manner. He reaffirmed the state’s responsibility to provide better civic amenities to all residents and noted that a mass awareness campaign has been launched to promote scientific waste disposal.
Prominent officials and dignitaries present at the event included Principal Secretary Urban Development Devesh Kumar, GIZ Sustainable Urban Development Director Christine Kafenstaner, Director of Urban Development Dr. Neeraj Kumar, MLA Sanjay Awasthi, Mayor of Shimla Municipal Corporation Surinder Chauhan, and representatives from various ULBs. To further drive home the message of cleanliness, a short play based on the theme was also performed at the event.
With the launch of these groundbreaking initiatives, Himachal Pradesh is setting a new benchmark for digital governance and sustainable urban development. The integration of technology with public service delivery is expected to bring about a significant positive change, making cities cleaner, more efficient, and more citizen-friendly.
