Bhopal’s remarkable leap to the second position among cities with over 10 lakh population has sparked city-wide celebrations, especially among safai mitras and municipal staff. After slipping to fifth position last year, the city made a strong comeback, thanks to strengthened waste processing systems, enhanced door-to-door collection, citizen participation drives, and the visible urban transformation ahead of the Global Investors Summit earlier this year. The city dances in joy and shares sweet of victory: Mayor Malti Rai, who received the award from President Droupadi Murmu at New Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan, is scheduled to return to the city on Friday at 3:30 pm, via Raja Bhoj Airport, accompanied by Council Chairman R K Singh and other officials.

 

A grand civic reception is planned at the airport. Celebrations in Bhopal included garlanding of safai mitras, playing of drums, and felicitation ceremonies across residential and municipal zones. In various parts of the city, including Zone-16’s Minal Residency, sanitation workers celebrated with dhol-nagadas, sweets, and dance performances and express their happiness. BMC Speaker Kishan Suryavanshi led the celebrations by welcoming cleanliness workers with garlands, laddoos, and public acknowledgement. “This award is the result of collective responsibility, hard work, and the resolve of every citizen of Bhopal,” he said. The city saw wide celebrations and the real heroes of this victory received appreciation and acknowledgement from the leaders and public across the city. At VIP road, sanitation workers were honoured with sweets, shawl and a pagri (turban) by Guru Nanak Mandal’s representative. INDORE: A legacy of cleanliness cemented with ninth straight win: In Indore, the celebrations were both grand and deeply rooted in community pride.

 

The city was once again declared India’s cleanest city in the Super Swachh League Cities category, a feat achieved by maintaining its position in the top three for three consecutive years (2021–2023). Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya and Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav received the award on behalf of Indore. Following the announcement, fireworks lit up the skies, gulal filled the streets, and residents across all zones celebrated with unmatched fervour. In the municipal corporation campus, sweets were distributed, and sanitation workers, especially the women-led Swachhata Didis, danced and celebrated their vital contribution. Several wards organised local felicitation programs, where sanitation staff were honoured as “heroes of the city.” Mayor Bhargav stated, “Cleanliness is no longer a campaign in Indore, it is our culture and our commitment.” Beyond the big two, other MP cities shine bright: Several other cities of the State also demonstrated exceptional performance in Swachh Survekshan 2024, contributing to the State’s tally of 20 national awards. Ujjain was declared the best city in the 3-10 lakh population category, securing the 4th rank nationally.

 

The recognition has uplifted civic morale, with processions, community programs, and congratulatory messages flooding the city. Jabalpur achieved a landmark 5th rank nationally, its highest ever. The award was received with pride by the municipal team and drew applause from all quarters. Gwalior climbed to 14th position this year, showing continued progress from its previous rank of 16. Mayor Shobha Sikarwar accepted the award in New Delhi, affirming the city’s resolve to rise further. Dewas emerged as a national leader among cities with populations between 50,000 and 3 lakh, clinching the top rank in this category. The city also received a five-star rating and was honoured with a Water Plus certification for the second time. The civic campus witnessed fireworks and sweet distribution, led by Mayor Geeta Agrawal. In the under 20,000 population category, Budhni secured a Top-5 national rank, while Shahganj stood at third place, adding to MP’s comprehensive performance.

 

Maheshwar was declared India’s cleanest cantonment board, with its leadership receiving honours for consistent hygiene efforts. A state-wide tribute to citizens and sanitation heroes: Urban Development officials credited the clean sweep to intensive on-ground operations, innovation in solid waste management, and strong citizen engagement. Speaking on the State’s collective win, a senior official said, “These aren’t just awards, they reflect the behavioural transformation of Madhya Pradesh’s urban culture.” Citizens across the state, from local market vendors to school students, shared celebratory messages on social media with trending hashtags like Clean MP, Bhopal No2, and Indore Number1. Cultural programmes, community clean-up drives, and felicitation ceremonies are being planned over the weekend across several cities to honour safai warriors and civic workers. The State and city’s stellar performance in Swachh Survekshan 2024 is not just a victory in rankings, but a reaffirmation of its public spirit, administrative will, and civic discipline- a model for urban India to follow.