Kerala Achieves Recognition Among India's Cleanest Cities

Kerala has proudly secured a spot among India's 100 cleanest cities, thanks to a substantial investment of ₹1,591 crores aimed at enhancing cleanliness across the state. Minister M.B. Rajesh announced this achievement during a press conference, highlighting the successful implementation of the 'Maliniy Mukt Navkeralam' initiative. The state is also making strides in waste management with the completion of its first Compressed Biogas plant in Brahmapuram. Meanwhile, Bengaluru's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is pushing for significant road construction projects to be completed before the monsoon, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions to waste disposal. Discover more about Kerala's initiatives and future plans.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 4, 2026, 17:38 IST

Kerala's Cleanliness Initiative

On Wednesday, Kerala's Minister M.B. Rajesh highlighted the state's impressive achievement of being listed among India's 100 cleanest cities. During a press conference, he revealed that a total of ₹1,591 crores has been invested across the state to ensure cleanliness. He also mentioned that the Mattanur municipality received a special award from the central government. Rajesh emphasized that the goal of 'Maliniy Mukt Navkeralam' (Waste-Free New Kerala) was a significant objective for the local self-government department, and they have successfully accomplished it. The funds allocated for a waste-free state amounted to ₹1,591.28 crores, with eight cities from Kerala making it to the list of the country's cleanest cities.

Progress in Waste Management

Rajesh further informed that the first Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant has been completed in Brahmapuram, while CBG plants in Kozhikode, Kollam, Thrissur, and Changanassery are in the initial stages of development. He noted that the Brahmapuram CBG plant is now operational, and the facility in Palakkad is nearing completion. Out of 59 waste dump sites, 24 have been cleared, reclaiming a total of 70 acres of land previously filled with waste. Meanwhile, in a separate waste disposal issue in Bengaluru, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on February 22 that the government is attempting to acquire 100 acres of land from willing farmers near hills and forests, stressing the need for a 'permanent solution' to the waste disposal problem.

Infrastructure Development Plans

In discussions with the media, Shivakumar stated that he has instructed the completion of ₹5,000 crores worth of road construction projects before the onset of the monsoon. He mentioned that he reviewed Bengaluru city and directed that these projects should be finished by March or April. Additionally, he invited farmers willing to provide land within a 40-kilometer radius of the city. He added, 'If 5-6 farmers or builders living near hilly or forest areas are willing to offer land, we are prepared to acquire 100 acres in two different locations.'