The award was presented by the Chief Guest, Shri Om Birla, Hon’ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha, who emphasized during the inauguration and awards felicitation that development and environmental sustainability must progress together. He highlighted that water conservation, energy efficiency, and environmental protection require coordinated governance and active citizen participation. Stressing the interconnected nature of water, health, and the environment, he underscored the need for integrated and technology-enabled solutions to address urban sustainability challenges.
The recognition for GUDM was awarded for its Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) initiative, which has significantly strengthened monitoring and management of sewer network cleaning operations across 156 municipalities in Gujarat. The ICCC serves as a centralized digital platform that enables real-time monitoring, improved operational coordination, and data-driven decision-making for urban sanitation and water management systems.
Through the use of advanced technologies and digital oversight mechanisms, the ICCC has improved the efficiency and safety of sewer maintenance operations. The platform enables municipal authorities to track cleaning schedules, monitor field operations, and respond quickly to operational challenges. This has enhanced accountability and streamlined maintenance processes across the state’s urban local bodies.
One of the most significant outcomes of the initiative has been the reuse and conservation of millions of litres of water, which previously went to waste during sewer cleaning operations. By enabling systematic monitoring and improved operational efficiency, the ICCC has strengthened water reuse practices while reducing environmental impact. The initiative also contributes to safer working conditions for sanitation workers by enabling better supervision and structured management of sewer maintenance activities.
The jury of the Water Transversality Global Awards noted that the initiative reflects an innovative application of technology to address urban water management challenges, while simultaneously generating tangible social and environmental benefits for communities. The project demonstrates how integrated digital systems can transform urban infrastructure management and improve public service delivery at scale.
The Gujarat Urban Development Mission plays a pivotal role in implementing modern urban infrastructure, planning, and governance reforms across cities and municipalities in the state. Through initiatives focusing on water management, sanitation, urban planning, and smart infrastructure, the Mission seeks to improve quality of life and promote sustainable urban development for millions of citizens.
Under the Mission, both major cities and smaller municipal areas in Gujarat are adopting technology-driven governance frameworks, enabling more efficient management of civic services, improved infrastructure planning, and enhanced transparency in public administration. These efforts align with broader national priorities of strengthening sustainable cities, improving resource efficiency, and promoting environmentally responsible urban growth.
The Best Community Impact Project Award recognizes the Gujarat Urban Development Mission’s contribution to building resilient, technology-enabled, and environmentally responsible urban systems. By integrating digital innovation with urban governance, the ICCC initiative has created a scalable model for improving sewer management, conserving water resources, and enhancing the efficiency of municipal services.
This recognition at an international platform highlights Gujarat’s commitment to sustainable urban transformation and community-centric governance, demonstrating how technology and innovative planning can significantly improve urban infrastructure while protecting vital environmental resources.
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Divya Agarwal
