VARANASI, Feb. 23 -- Calling for collective responsibility, Uttar Pradesh energy and urban development minister AK Sharma on Sunday said rigorous efforts on the ground are now required for achieving a better ranking for Varanasi, not just paperwork. Kashi's cleanliness ranking is achievable through active public participation.

While interacting with corporators of Varanasi Nagar Nigam here on Sunday, Sharma said the city's ranking fell to 17th place last time due to a mere 63 percent score in source segregation of the garbage. The Prime Minister himself is always concerned about cleanliness. From Kashi, the PM gave the message of cleanliness to the entire nation, so Kashi's cleanliness should be exemplary, he said.

Calling for collectiv...