30 ICONIC SITES Making Swachhata Icons Under inspiration from the Kanvashram • Kanvashram, located 14 KM from in , has Hon’ble Prime Minister, 100 immense historical and archeological significance. • Surrounded by serene beauty of forest, Kanvashram has its iconic places in are to be existence from 5500 years. Legend has it that sages like Vishvamitra and Kanva have meditated on this holy land for developed in phases as models of years. • It is also said that King Bharat was born here in Kanvashram. The cleanliness (Swachhata). name of our country- ‘Bharatvarsha’ has been derived from his name. The project is being coordinated by Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation, in collaboration with Union Ministries of Housing and Urban Affairs, Tourism, Culture, state governments, municipal and Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation local agencies with support from leading Public Sector (Swachh Bharat Mission) Website: www.mdws.gov.in, Telephone No. : 011-24368614 Undertakings. 30 iconic sites have been taken up in phase-I , II & III. Phase-I: Iconic Sites Phase-I: Iconic Sites

Meenakshi Temple, ,

• Madurai temple city was built in the 6th century A.D., during the Pandiyan rule, and is one of the oldest cities in the world.

• It evolved, over the centuries, as the epicenter of Dravidian as well as Tamil culture.

• Considered as the state cultural capital, the Meenakshi Amman temple alone attracts 15,000 visitors every day during the weekdays and around 25,000 on weekends.

• Plastic ban, renovation of toilets, mechanical sand sweeping trucks to reduce pollution around temple, battery operated vehicles for solid waste collection, compactor bins, water ATMs, appointment of 25 Swachh Police to ensure cleanliness in and around the temple are some of the initiatives taken.

• Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) is the PSU partner in this project , Ajmer, • Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Ajmer Dargah or Dargah Sharif is a Sufi shrine of Saint Moinuddin Chisti located in Ajmer, Rajasthan. • Many initiatives are being taken up to develop the Dargah to meet international standards for pilgrim facilities and experience and to increase the tourist footfall in this iconic destination. • Solid waste management, improving the drainage system, shelter for rehabilitation of beggars, developing solar master plan for the city, vision document for restoration in and around Dargah, developing of sewer line around the Dargah area are some of the initiatives under implementation. • Hindustan Zinc Limited is the Corporate partner in this project

Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai, • Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), previously known as the Victoria Terminus, is an integral part of Mumbai. CST connects South Mumbai to the rest of Mumbai through the local train network and to the rest of India through the Indian Railways network. • One of the busiest iconic places, CST aims to focus on recycling plants and mechanized cleaning for ensuring a ‘Swachh’ terminus. In addition, plans are also being developed to create IEC for commuters, create additional infrastructure to reduce burden on existing facilities, re-organizing hawkers etc. • State Bank of India Foundation is the PSU partner in this project Shree Temple, , • Located on the Eastern coast of India, the Jagannath temple of Puri is dedicated to the Lord Jagannath and serves as on important destination. • Major swachhata initiatives include mechanized cleaning of the city, underground waste bins at various locations, sensitization on sanitation of the public living in the temple periphery, regulation of vehicle movement, underground cabling around the temple and Yatri complex for the visitors. • National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) is the PSU partner in this project

Manikarnika Ghat, , • Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, known as “Panch Jal Teerth”, is one of the five most significant Ghats out of 84 historical Ghats inscribed in Kashi Khand. • Mentioned in “SkandPuran”, the Ghat is also known as the place of the sacred pond “ChakraPuskaran Kund” and is famous for having “Charan Paduka”, the impressions of Lord ’s feet. • The administration is making several efforts to improve the access to the Ghat, to ensure better visitor facilities and is working on the overall solid and liquid waste management systems in the city as well. • Northern Coal Fields Limited(NCL) is the PSU partner in this project Golden Temple, Amritsar, • The Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib literally means the Temple of God, and is situated in Amritsar district of Punjab. • The temple holds the highest Seat in Sikhism and over 1,25,000 people visit the holy shrine daily for worship. • The temple ensues that basic facilities are provided to all the visitors. Underground waste collection bins, 24x7 mechanized sweeping machines, solar powered street lights, increasing the green cover, augmentation and strengthening of existing sewerage & water supply line and proposed bio-methanation plants are some of the swachhata initiatives undertaken. • Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) is the PSU partner in this project

Kamakhya Shrine, , • Kamakhya Temple is one of the 51 Peeths, and an important pilgrimage site. • It is situated at the hill top of Hill in the Western part of Guwahati city. • A major festival “Ambubachi Mela” is celebrated in the temple in the month of June every year. • Organic Waste Converter (OWC) for scientific solid waste management, computerized ticketing system, multi-level car parking, ropeway between railway station and the temple, creation of vending zone, compost plant for the floral wastes from the temple are some of the initiatives being undertaken. • Oil India Limited is the PSU partner in this project The Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh • The Taj Mahal was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983, with the words. “The Taj Mahal is the greatest architectural achievement of the whole range of Indo-. Apart from its tremendous romantic appeal, it is a masterpiece of architectural style, in conception, treatment and execution, all alike”. • A top tourist attraction in India, the Taj Mahal attracts about 80,000 visitors daily. • Swachhata initiatives include revival of ancient drains on western side of Taj, ban on plastic packaged material inside the monument, mechanized street sweeping, provision of bio- toilets, conversion of street lights to solar lights, information kiosks for the visitors and garbage collection app. • Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) is the PSU partner in this project

Shri Mata Temple, Katra, and Kashmir • Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani, Trikuta and Vaishnavi, signifies the manifestation of the Hindu Mother Goddess Mahalakshmi. • More than 12 million pilgrims pass through Katra annually to visit the temple situated atop the hill. • Swachhata initiatives include augmentation of water supply in the town, installation of water ATMs, bio-gas plants, integrated solid waste treatment plant, ban on use of polythene, developing bio-degradable rain coats and LED lighting of the temple track. • Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is the PSU partner in this project Tir umala Tir upati Devasthanam, ,

• The Temple of Lord Venkateshwara at is one of the most sacred shrines in India.

• Everyday around 65,000 pilgrims visit the temple of which around 25,000 pilgrims reach by climbing the hills.

• The site is tobacco free, open defecation free zone with high quality air which ensures that existing water resources are free from sewage and sullage. Battery operated vehicle for physically challenged pilgrims are in operation. The temple trust is aiming to manage solid and liquid waste and modernize sweeping in a socially sensitive and environment friendly manner to ensure world class standards of Swcahhata at the site.

• Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Neyveli Lignite Corporation India limited (NLC) are PSU partner in this project Phase-II: Iconic Sites Phase-II: Iconic Sites

Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple, , M.P.

• Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple situatedbesides the Sagar Lake in the ancient city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradeshis one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingams, supposed to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.

• The key sanitation issues at Mahakaleshwar temple are inadequate water supply coverage,poor condition of existing water supply pipelines, clogging of drains due to encroachment, river pollution, dumping of solid waste in open drains. Inadequacy of quality infrastructure to attract foreign tourists and poor public transport are other issues.

• National Hydro Power Corporation Limited (NHPC) is the PSU partner in this project. , Hyderabad, • Charminar is a historical monument and , situated close to the bank of the river Musi in Hyderabad. Historians believe that this structure is an example of Indo-Islamic architecture combined with a few Persian elements. The city of Hyderabad was divided in four directions from Charminar for administrative purposes. • The key sanitation issues at Charminar include absence of comprehensive master plan for sewerage, inadequate sewerage treatment facilities resulting in discharge of untreated sewage into water bodies. • National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) is the PSU partner in this project.

Convent & Church of St. Francis of Assisi, • The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, a Roman Catholic Church, is situated in the main square of Old Goa, 10 km east of Panaji, Goa’s state capital. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi, along with a convent, was established by eight Portuguese Franciscan friars who landed in Goa in 1517. • The key sanitation issues at Convent & Church of St. Francis of Assisi include poor condition of the old sewerage network in the city, inadequate infrastructure such as composting units, waste segregation centre.Lack of good-quality tourist infrastructure like well-designed signage, modern public toilets, well-designed pedestrian walkways etc. are the other issues faced. • Airport Authority of India is the PSU partner in this project. , Gir Somnath, • Somanth Temple is located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veravalin on the Western Coast of Gujarat and is about 80 km from Junagadh. This temple is believed to be the first among the twelve Aadi Jyotirlingsof India. Somnath, literally meaning “lord of the moon” is an important pilgrimage and tourist spot of Gujarat. • The key issues at include irregular power supply and lack of infrastructure such as road and air connectivity. • IDEA Cellular is the Corporate partner in this project. Gommateshwara , Shravanbelagola, • The is located on Vindyagiri hill at town in in Karnataka, 158 km west of Bengaluru. This statue is dedicated to the Jain God , and is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in . It was built in around 983 A.D. and is one of the largest free standing in the world. An event known as attracts devotees from all over the world. The Mahamastakabhisheka festival is held once in 12 years. • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is the PSU partner in this project

Kalady, Ernakulam, • Kalady is a pilgrimage town situated on the right bank of the river Periyar, in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. It is notable as the birthplace of Shankara, commonly known as Adi Shankaracharya, and is a popular destination for Hindu pilgrims. The Centenary of Kalady was celebrated in May 2010. There are multiple temples in the town and three ghats which are adjacent to each other. • Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) is the PSU partner in this project. Temple, Gangotri, Uttarakhand • The Gangotri Temple is in the small town of Gangotri, which is situated on the banks of the river Bhagirathi in in Uttarakhand. The temple is one of the main religious locations among the four pilgrimage areas. This temple is at the centre of the town and acts as a nerve centre for the town of Gangorti. • The key issues at Gangotri Temple include weak communication network, lack of quality infrastructure, lack of connectivity, transportation, absence of integrated marketing infrastructure (packaging, weighting, collection centres, etc.) • Oil and Natural Gas Corporation is the PSU partner in this project

Ya m u n o t r i Te m p l e , U t t a r k a s h i , Uttarakhand • Temple is a grand situated in Garhwal at an altitude of 3,293 meters in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. This temple is one of main religious locations among the four Char Dham pilgrimage areas. The river Yamunotri is known for its glaciers and hot water springs, which makes it one of the most important destinations for a Hindu pilgrim. • The key issues at include weak communication network, lack of quality infrastructure, connectivity, transportation, absence of integrated marketing infrastructure (packaging, weighting, collection centres, etc.), • Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) is the PSU partner in this project. Gaya Teerth, Gaya,

• Gaya, situated on the banks of the Falgu river, is one of the major tourist attractions of Bihar. There are many spiritual places in and near Gaya, such as Vishnupad Temple and Surya Kund. It is surrounded by small rocky hills by three sides and the river flowing on the fourth (eastern) side. The city has a mix of natural surroundings, age old buildings, green areas and narrow by lanes. Recently, Gaya has been chosen as one of the heritage cities for HRIDAY - Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana scheme of .

• Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is the PSU partner in this project

Baidyanath Temple, ,

• Baidyanath Temple, located in , Jharkhand, is also known as Baba . It is one of the twelve . The Baba Baidyanath temple complex consists of the main temple of Baba Baidyanath, where the Jyotirlingam is installed.

• Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) is the PSU partner in this project. Phase-III: Iconic Sites Phase-III: Iconic Sites

S r i R a g h a v e n d r a S w a m y M u t t Mantralayam

• Sri Raghavendra Swamy temple is nestled in a small town of Mantralayam on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in , Andhra Pradesh.

• It is said that Raghavendra, a Hindu scholar, theologian and saint, conducted penance at Panchamukhi near Mantralayam, where he received darshan of Sri Panchamukha Mukhya Prana .

• The temple witnesses the grand celebration of Sri Raghavendra Jayanti on Phalguna Sudha Saptami each year that marks the the birthday of the saint.

• The Palace’s name translates to 'a thousand doors' as this palace is embellished with a thousand ornamental gateways.

• Located on the banks of River Bhagirathi, the magnificence of Hazarduari Palace spreads over a massive area of 41 acres on the Kila Nizamat campus in , West .

• The Palace was built in the nineteenth century by architect Duncan Macleod, under the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah of Bengal and its construction style is an amalgam of Italian and Greek architectural styles. The perimeter of the palace also houses the Nizamat Imambara, Wasif Manzil, Bacchawali Tope and the Murshidabad Clock Tower.

• The Palace now houses a museum displaying the rich cultural heritage of the Nawabs. Sarovar Temple • Shri Sarveshwar Mahadev Temple, commonly known as Brahma Sarovar Temple, is located in , . • According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma used to worship Lord Shiva in this temple and hence it is devoted to Lord Shiva. • The temple is positioned in the waters of Brahma Sarovar and a concrete arch bridge links the temple to the bank. The Sarovar comprises of a shrine which is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the middle which can be accessed via a small bridge. • The sarovar offers a breath-taking sight during the Gita Jayanti celebrations held each when a ‘deep daan’ ceremony of floating lamps in water and Aarti occurs.

Vidur Kuti Temple • Situated at the bank of , around 11 km from Bijnor, is the Vidur Kuti temple, a heritage site with ties to the circuit of Uttar Pradesh tourism. • One of the few temples dedicated to Vidur, a central figure in the Mahabharata, it is the place for an annual Ganga snaan fair held on Kartik Poornima. • Vidur Kuti is believed to be the place where Vidura spent the rest of his life after dispute with Duryodhana. Literally meaning 'the ashram of Vidura', it is an important sightseeing attraction of the Moradabad district. Mana Village • Mana village is the last village on the Indo – Tibetan border in the state of Uttarakhand. It is situated at a height at of 3,219 meters, approximately 4 km nortwest from . • The villagers of this village are culturally associated with activities of and annual fair of murthi. Every year the girls and women of the village make woolen shawls for the of Badrinarayan in Badrinath. The shawls are offered to the deity on the Temple closing ceremony at the beginning of the winter season. • There is a small cave in Mana, named Vyas Gufa and it is believed that Maharshi Vyas composed Mahabharatha in this cave. Inside the cave there is an idol of Vyasadev and a priest who recites Mahabharat.

Pangong Tso • Pangong Tso, also known as Pangong Lake, is an endorheic lake in the Himalayas situated at a height of about 4,350 m. It is 134 km long and extends from India to China. • The lake that covers approximately 604 km2 area is 5 km wide at its broadest point. • Pangong Lake in Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir is the world's highest brackish lake that freezes in winters despite being saline water. Shri Nag Vasuki Temple • Shri Nag Vasuki Temple is situated in Daraganj, , Uttar Pradesh. • It is said to be one of only two temples in the world where one can be liberated from the effects of Kaal Sarpa Dosha, a difficult astrological influence. • It is believed that around the 10th Century, an old temple existed here, perhaps the original. The King Shridhar Bhonsle constructed the present temple, which is not older than the 18th c. • The temple is unique in the sense that Nag Vasuki (Nag Raj), the Lord of the Nagas, is the presiding Deity and resides in the sanctum sanctorum.

Nupi Keithel • Khwairamband Bazaar, also known as the Ema Bazaar, or Nupi Keithel, literally means Mother’s Market or Women’s Market. • The market is locatd in Imphal, . • It is one of the largest markets run by women in the country for handloom and handicraft products, like earthen pots, knives, shawls, puppets and dried fish and vegetables. • This is also one of the oldest markets with its rich tradition intact. Built in around 1533 AD, Ema Keithel was borne out of a desperate will to survive more than a well planned economical set up. • Studies suggest that the market’s female-only workforce originated as a result of the enforcement of the Lallup-Kaba, an ancient forced labour system in Manipur that sent men of the Meitei community to cultivate faraway lands and fight wars. The women stayed back in the villages, working in their own paddy fields, taking care of their household and selling their farm produce in improvised markets. This led to the creation of markets where women played a central role, the most important and largest one being the Ema Keithal. Sree Sastha Temple

• Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage center located in Perunad gram panchayat on the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Pathanamthitta District, Kerala.

• It is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world with an estimated 50 million devotees visiting every year.

• The temple is believed to be the place where the Hindu God meditated after killing the powerful demon, Mahishi.

• Ayyappan's temple is situated amidst 18 hills on a hilltop at an altitude of 468 m above mean sea level, and is surrounded by mountains and dense forests.