Already renowned for having the cleanest air in the country, Kodagu district’s Madikeri has now added another feather to its cap with this prestigious recognition. The achievement is largely credited to the tireless efforts of the city’s sanitation and civic workers, whose dedication has made this milestone possible.
However, the title claiming Madikeri as the “cleanest city” is misleading, as it focuses solely on air quality based on survey by NCSI and NAAQS, which recorded an annual average better than many Indian cities. While the recognition is flattering, it is important to note that this assessment is based solely on air quality, with no mention of waste management or the issue of plastic littering, which remain significant concerns. Such titles risk drawing unnecessary attention, leading to commercialization and loss of farmland. Instead of premature celebrations, efforts should prioritise improving waste management and sustainable practices.
However, we are still behind tackling the plastic pollution crisis. 90 percent of plastic waste mismanaged which means it is uncontrolled or inadequately disposal of waste segregation, lack of collection infrastructure, in particular means that household waste- including plastics is often burned or dumped into the environment. This along with the forces of wind and rain leads to accumulation in streams and natural habitats, posing a significant threat to water life and other ecosystems.
While Madikeri’s recognition as a cleanest city is commendable, maintaining the status requires proactive measures. Stricter regulations on waste management, Eco-friendly tourism practices and better enforcement of environmental laws are essential to ensure that Kodagu’s natural charm is preserved for generations to come. Tourists must also play their part by respecting local ecosystems and adopting sustainable travel habits.
However, India’s cleanest city faces some challenges too. Pollution, water shortage and most of all effects of tourism. The rising tourism has brought challenges like littering, Deforestation and pollution. Plastic waste has become a persistent issue. Many visitors leave behind garbage, which threatens the regions fragile ecosystem. People from all parts throng in to view its beauty and as the crowd increases the waste disposition is also increasing and cleanliness is lost. If we don’t take the initiative to clean our land and shame those who litter who else will take the action?
Kodandera Mamatha SubbaiahÂ
