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The Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation has been recognized for its outstanding contributions to urban governance, clinching two prestigious awards from HUDCO.
The recognition comes for the Corporation’s ‘Suajalam Sulabham’ project for drinking water supply.
In a proud moment for the city, the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation has been recognized for its outstanding contributions to urban governance, clinching two prestigious awards from the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd (HUDCO). The awards, under the Union Ministry of Urban Development, were presented for excellence in Good Governance, specifically honouring the city’s initiatives in drinking water distribution and septage waste management.
Mayor Arya Rajendran and Corporation Secretary Jahangeer S received the awards during a ceremony held in New Delhi.
Thiruvananthapuram Corporation emerged as the sole winner in the category for drinking water distribution, showcasing its commitment to ensuring a consistent and safe supply of drinking water. The recognition came for the Corporation’s innovative ‘Suajalam Sulabham’ project, which uses an e-governance system to manage the supply of drinking water through tankers. The initiative deploys 87 tankers with capacities ranging from 2,000 to 20,000 litres, supplemented by private vehicles operating under special permits.
By equipping all vehicles with GPS tracking, the Corporation has revolutionized the process of booking and distributing drinking water, which is now entirely managed online. A dedicated call center supports the seamless execution of this process, ensuring that the water supplied is safe and charges are fair. To date, over 24.5 million kilolitres of drinking water have been distributed across the city in this period, a feat that was instrumental in securing the award.
Mayor Arya Rajendran described the accolades as “a big endorsement of the effective measures successfully implemented by the Corporation to keep the city clean and hygienic.” She added, “The Corporation is committed to advancing projects that prioritise the welfare of our residents.”
The second award celebrated the Corporation’s exceptional approach to septage waste management, made possible through its digital Quick Pass system. This centralised system enables the city to manage septage collection, transportation, disposal, and payment with efficiency and transparency. The initiative has set a benchmark for other municipalities by preventing the release of untreated waste into open spaces, drains, and water bodies, and by regulating private septage collection vehicles through a stringent registration process.
Registered vehicles are marked with specific colours and numbers for easy identification and monitored via GPS to ensure compliance with regulations. Residents and institutions such as flats, companies, hotels, parks, and labour camps can access these services by registering through the online platform or the Smart Trivandrum app. The collected waste is treated at a dedicated septage treatment plant, and since the system’s implementation, over 46.57 crore litres of waste have been treated.
Adding to its accolades, the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation was also recently awarded the ‘Vayo Sevana 2024’ award by the Kerala Government for its initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of senior citizens. This award reflects the Corporation’s commitment to fostering a society that values and supports its elderly population through dedicated programs.
The awards from HUDCO include a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, a felicitation note, and a trophy, symbolizing not just recognition but also the motivation to continue improving the quality of life for the city’s residents. With a forward-looking approach and a series of effective urban management strategies, Thiruvananthapuram is setting an example for cities across the country to emulate.
Mayor Arya Rajendran expressed her vision for the future, stating, “Our city’s recognition on a national platform motivates us to push further and implement more transformative initiatives for the welfare of the residents. We are determined to keep raising the bar for urban governance.”
As Thiruvananthapuram’s model for water distribution and waste management continues to draw attention, the Corporation is steadily positioning itself as a leader in sustainable urban practices, setting a precedent for other Indian cities to follow.
