Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad district, recognised as one of the State’s cleanest municipalities, has initiated a ₹12-crore boulevard project aimed at enhancing public spaces and boosting tourism while preserving the town’s clean and green character.

​Municipal Chairperson Raseena Abdul Khader told The Hindu that the project on Ooty Road, part of the Ooty-Gudalur-Kollegal highway network, was awaiting technical sanction after receiving administrative approval under the Wayanad Development Package. She said the project would add a new dimension to the town’s ongoing beautification and development efforts.

The project, fully funded by the State government, will be implemented through the Public Works department after the necessary approvals and tendering procedures are completed. The planned facilities include pedestrian walkways, cycling and jogging tracks, bus bays, open gyms, children’s recreation spaces, tea stalls, reading corners, badminton courts, and a Kudumbashree marketing centre, she said.

“The project is expected to complement the town’s growing reputation as a model urban centre and provide improved public spaces for residents and visitors alike,” Ms. Khader said.

The exact length of the project is yet to be finalised and will be decided in the coming days, she said, adding that it is expected to benefit the growing number of visitors to Sulthan Bathery.

P. Shamshad, standing committee chairman for development affairs, said the civic body’s cleanliness drive had gained momentum after it was upgraded to a municipality in 2016. The initiative, launched during the tenure of former municipal chairman C.K. Sahadevan, focused on strengthening sanitation systems and promoting responsible waste-management practices.

Although a proposed German-model waste management project could not be implemented due to technical difficulties, the municipality subsequently established an effective waste collection network through the Haritha Karma Sena.

The municipality’s ‘Clean City, Green City, Flower City’ campaign further transformed public spaces through the installation of flower pots and ornamental plants in commercial and residential areas. The initiative received support from traders, residents’ associations, youth organisations, educational institutions, and political parties. Schools also participated through awareness programmes promoting responsible waste disposal among students.

“Sanitation workers begin cleaning operations around 2 a.m., and the cooperation of shop owners and residents has been crucial in maintaining the town’s clean image,” said P.K. Dhinesh, a municipal employee.

​Despite the achievements, illegal waste dumping continues to be reported in certain areas, prompting the municipality to impose fines of up to ₹25,000 on violators. The authorities are also planning to install around 100 bins across the town to discourage littering.