Even as the Jabalpur Municipal Corporation (JMC) claims large scale cleanliness drives and regular inspections, ground realities in several parts of the city present a starkly different picture. Open plots and roadside stretches continue to be littered with garbage, with stray animals like pigs feeding on waste, raising serious concerns over sanitation management ahead of the Swachh Survekshan 2025-26. In many localities, heaps of mixed waste, plastic and organic garbage remain unattended for days. The situation not only creates foul smell and unhygienic conditions but also poses health risks to residents. Such scenes, which are increasingly common across the city, contradict JMC’s repeated claims of intensified cleaning campaigns and monitoring by senior officials. Adding to the problem is the Municipal Corporation’s negligence in lifting silt and garbage removed from drains and nullahs. Large mounds of sludge and waste are often left dumped on busy roads and public squares for days after cleaning operations. These piles not only emit stench but also obstruct movement, causing inconvenience to commuters and local residents.

 

Residents say that despite announcements of special sanitation drives, there is little visible improvement on the ground. Poor waste collection, irregular lifting of garbage and lack of monitoring have allowed the problem to persist. The presence of stray animals including pigs and cows at dumping spots further highlights gaps in waste disposal and segregation practices. Another major concern is the recurring strike by contractual sanitation workers. With their grievances remaining unresolved, work often comes to a standstill directly affecting cleanliness arrangements across city. During such periods, garbage accumulates quickly, worsening the situation in residential and market areas alike. Citizens say that unless systemic issues such as workforce management, accountability and timely waste disposal are addressed, temporary drives will have limited impact. They warn that continued negligence could affect Jabalpur’s performance in the upcoming Swachh Survekshan, where consistency in sanitation standards plays a major role. The current state of affairs underscores the need for sustained and coordinated efforts rather than short term measures. Without effective action, the city risks slipping in national cleanliness rankings.