The Ministry launched the ‘City Beauty Competition’ portal (https://citybeautycompetition.in) on April 26, 2023. This initiative allows Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) from all over the country to take part in a unique competition through an online process. The main goal of this competition is to highlight and acknowledge the efforts of cities and wards in transforming public spaces into aesthetically pleasing, innovative, and inclusive areas.
Aim and Vision of the Competition
The City Beauty Competition aims to recognize and celebrate the efforts made by various cities and their wards to improve public spaces. By participating in this competition, cities can showcase their contributions toward creating beautiful urban landscapes that benefit both residents and visitors. The initiative focuses on fostering creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity in urban design, ultimately leading to a better quality of life for people.
Key Evaluation Criteria
The competition will assess wards and public spaces based on five essential parameters:
- Accessibility – How easy it is for people, including those with disabilities, to navigate and utilize public spaces.
- Amenities – The availability of basic and advanced facilities such as seating areas, sanitation, lighting, and safety measures.
- Activities – The presence of interactive and engaging spaces that encourage social participation and community engagement.
- Aesthetics – The visual appeal of the spaces, including architectural beauty, cleanliness, and artistic elements.
- Ecology – Sustainable and environmentally friendly initiatives such as green spaces, water conservation, and pollution control.
Categories of Recognition
The competition seeks to recognize and reward outstanding efforts in enhancing urban beauty. The awards will be distributed at different levels:
- Ward Level: Selected wards will receive recognition at both the city and state levels.
- Public Spaces Level: The most beautiful public spaces will be judged in four major categories:
- Waterfronts – Areas near lakes, rivers, and other water bodies that have been enhanced aesthetically and functionally.
- Green Spaces – Parks, gardens, and open areas designed to promote ecological balance and recreation.
- Tourist/Heritage Spaces – Locations of cultural and historical importance that contribute to tourism and heritage preservation.
- Market/Commercial Places – Public markets and commercial hubs that have undergone beautification and modernization.
The competition will first recognize winners at the state level. The best entries from each state will then be considered for national-level awards, bringing recognition to exceptional urban development efforts.
Participation and Submission Process
The last date to participate in the City Beauty Competition is July 15, 2023. ULBs interested in taking part can submit their entries online via the official portal (https://citybeautycompetition.in). Participants need to provide relevant data and documents, including:
- Photographs showcasing the transformation and impact of beautification efforts.
- Videos highlighting the public space improvements.
- Presentations detailing the planning and execution of the projects.
- Self-reported baseline information to compare progress before and after the interventions.
To support ULBs, wards, and states in their participation, the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) has been designated as the knowledge partner. ASCI will offer guidance and technical assistance throughout the competition process.
Importance of the Competition
The City Beauty Competition is a significant step toward urban transformation in India. It provides a platform for cities and wards to present their beautification efforts, inspiring others to follow suit. Some of the key benefits include:
- Encouraging Heritage and Cultural Preservation – Cities with historical and cultural significance can highlight their efforts in maintaining and enhancing these spaces.
- Promoting Sustainable Communities – The competition encourages eco-friendly initiatives that contribute to sustainability and environmental protection.
- Enhancing Urban Living Standards – Aesthetic and functional public spaces improve the quality of life for residents, making cities more livable.
- Facilitating Knowledge Sharing – States and cities can learn from each other’s best practices, promoting collaboration and mutual growth.
- Boosting Tourism and Economy – Beautiful public spaces attract tourists and boost local businesses, contributing to economic growth.
Role of Citizens and Local Authorities
While the primary responsibility lies with ULBs and government bodies, active participation from residents is equally important. Citizens can contribute by:
- Providing Suggestions – Giving inputs on how to improve local public spaces.
- Participating in Community Initiatives – Engaging in cleanliness drives, tree plantation programs, and cultural activities.
- Raising Awareness – Educating others about the importance of well-maintained public spaces.
- Reporting Issues – Informing authorities about areas that need attention and improvement.
Local authorities, on the other hand, must work closely with communities, planners, and experts to ensure that projects align with the goals of inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation.
