Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri and Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar today launched the Protocol for Star Rating of Garbage-free Cities in Panaji today. <br/><br/>The initiative under Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban will rate Indian cities on a 7-star rating system based on multiple cleanliness indicators for solid waste management. The rating protocol provides a single metric to rate a city's cleanliness rather than separately evaluating multiple factors that contribute to its overall cleanliness and garbage-free status.<br/><br/>Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Puri said that the initiative was launched from Goa because the state has made impressive strides under the Swachh Bharat Mission. He said the mission has become a people's movement across India and Goa could be an inspiration for others. Mr. Puri said that while urban India is expected to be Open Defecation Free by October 2018, the issue of solid waste management in cities is a key concern. He also reviewed various urban development schemes in Goa and highlighted the salient features of the recently launched liveability index.<br/><br/>Mr.Manohar Parrikar said that the state would target a 7-star rating by next year. He assured that Goa would ban plastic by May 20 and end plastic use by its next liberation day on December 19 during the current year. He added that urban Goa will achieve ODF status by October this year. He also stressed on focusing on reducing garbage generation to achieve cleanliness goals.