In a bid to elevate urban hygiene standards and eliminate long-standing waste accumulations, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is set to commence its most ambitious sanitation initiative yet.

Starting on Monday, December 29, a special drive will sweep across the city, targeting 300 wards daily until January 31, 2026. This comprehensive campaign, instructed by GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan, marks the first major sanitation effort following the recent Delimitation of wards, aiming to rid Hyderabad of legacy waste and foster community participation in cleanliness.

The drive, outlined in a recent circular, focuses on a meticulously planned schedule of activities designed to address diverse urban waste challenges.

Beginning with the cleaning of foot overbridges on Monday, the campaign will progress to flyovers, roadsides, dividers, central medians, and kerbs. Subsequent days will see targeted efforts on lakes and nalas, footpaths and parks, construction and demolition (C&D) waste removal, and waste near transformers and electric poles.

Key highlights include the elimination of Garbage Vulnerable Points (GVPs), green waste clearance, and legacy waste removal, with special emphasis on transforming GVPs into aesthetic selfie points through wall paintings, rangoli designs, and plantations.

Community engagement forms the cornerstone of this initiative. Awareness drives will involve citizens in promoting 'swachhata' (cleanliness), including pledge activities with children, youth, and senior citizens; e-waste collection; and reusable item drives in gated communities and residential colonies.

Schools will be encouraged to maintain segregated waste bins and practice onsite composting. Spot fine drives will target open urination, littering, and illegal dumping, while unclaimed scrap vehicles and dilapidated public toilets will be removed to enhance public spaces. Cleanliness and plantation activities around public toilets aim to improve aesthetics and accessibility.

Commissioner Karnan has directed zonal commissioners, deputy commissioners, and waste management agencies  to coordinate seamlessly. Vehicles for municipal solid waste (MSW) and C&D debris will operate in tandem, supported by manpower, bobcats, and JCBs. Supervising officers are tasked with daily monitoring, updating reports via Google sheets, and ensuring 100% ward clearance.

Project officers from the Urban Community Development (UCD) wing will depute resource persons to visit GVPs, capturing geo-coordinates and photographs for accountability.This drive not only addresses immediate sanitation needs but also promotes sustainable practices, aligning with national cleanliness goals. Residents are urged to participate actively, turning Hyderabad into a model of urban cleanliness.