Cuttack, Feb. 16: The municipal corporation here has decided to rope in Odia actor Arindam Roy as its brand ambassador for the Swachh Bharat Mission.

The move comes after Cuttack was ranked 59th in the Swachh Sarvekshan (cleanliness survey) conducted under the aegis of the Swachh Bharat Mission, the results of which were announced yesterday.

A fitness freak with roots in Cuttack, 35-year-old Arindam is known for making efforts to usher in changes in the city. An MBA graduate and a diploma holder in taekwondo, Arindam is a well-known personality and has been taking part in a host of community as well as social service.

“Being a youth from Cuttack, I am lucky Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) has chosen me to be the brand ambassador for Swachh Bharat Mission. I will focus on bringing in a sea change in the mindset of the people for better hygiene,” said Arindam.

Cuttack was awarded 925 marks out of 2,000 in the assessment based on integrated solid waste management, sweeping, door-to-door collection and transportation of garbage, solid waste processing and disposal, provision for community and public toilets as well as household individual toilets. The survey has again brought to fore the poor solid waste management system, which has always remained a grave concern for the residents here.

“The survey results are an eye-opener and adequate emphasis will be given on improving solid waste management and sanitation measures in all the 59 wards,” said Nirupama Swain, deputy municipal commissioner.

Swain said an action plan would be prepared in the next 15 days to ensure timely collection and disposal of solid waste generated from the city.

Ranjan Biswal, chairperson of CMC standing committee on public health said a massive awareness drive would be launched shortly to seek people’s co-operation in maintaining cleanliness in different localities of the city.

Local residents alleged the civic body had earlier entered into an agreement with Hyderabad-based Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited for the systematic collection and disposal of solid waste in 2011.

In accordance with the agreement, Ramky charges Rs 1,764 per tonne of garbage while the city generates 300 to 350 tonnes each day. The charge, as part of a package deal, also included cleaning of drains on a regular basis, cutting bushes and weeds. Apart from solid waste, the company was also entrusted with the job of mechanised sweeping of 48 major roads in the city at an estimated cost of Rs 60 crore. However, even after five years, there has been no substantial improvement in the overall sanitation condition in the city.

“We are yet to see a difference as garbage is still lying unattended for days together at prominent localities and main roads,” said Sanjay Pradhan, a resident of Buxi Bazaar.

A CMC official said there would be a big change in solid waste management after the proposed Regional Solid Waste Management Treatment Plant at Bhuasuni comes up.