Chhattisgarh has once again emerged as a beacon of cleanliness on the national map. In the Swachh Survekshan 2024–25, conducted by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, as many as seven urban bodies from the state have showcased exceptional performance, bringing pride to the state. In a standout achievement, Bilha Nagar Panchayat has been ranked the cleanest city in India among towns with a population under 20,000. In the 3–10 lakh population category, Bilaspur secured the second spot nationally, while Kumhari ranked third among towns with a population between 20,000 and 50,000. President Droupadi Murmu presented the national awards at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Thursday. Deputy Chief Minister and State Urban Administration and Development Department Minister Arun Sao, along with mayors, chairpersons, and officials of the respective local bodies, received the awards from the President of India. Union Housing & Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu were also present at the award ceremony.

 

The spotlight didn’t end there. Cities like Ambikapur, Patan, Bishrampur, and Raipur further elevated the state’s stature. In a newly introduced category – the Super Sanitation League (SSL) – cities that have ranked in the top 3 at least once in the past three years and are in the top 20 this year were honoured. Ambikapur made its mark in the 50,000 to 3 lakh category, while Patan and Bishrampur secured their places in the under-20,000 population group. Additionally, Raipur, the state capital, was recognised as Chhattisgarh’s ‘Promising Swachh City’, highlighting its consistent efforts and future potential in urban sanitation. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, extending his congratulations to all the winning urban bodies, said this is a proud moment for the state.

 

“These achievements reflect the collective commitment of citizens, civic bodies, and the administration towards cleanliness,” he said. “Such recognition will inspire other towns and cities in Chhattisgarh to aim higher in their pursuit of becoming clean, beautiful urban spaces.” Deputy Chie Minister Arun Sao also congratulated the award-winning civic bodies and said, “This is not just a matter of honour for Chhattisgarh but a testament to our sustained efforts toward sanitation.” He added that many other urban local bodies from the state will soon emerge on the national stage. “From local urban governments to the state and central leadership, all stakeholders are relentlessly working towards creating cleaner, smarter, and more livable cities through continuous innovation,” he said. 

 

 

July 17  Chhattisgarh has embodied the true spirit of Swacchta Paramo Dharama, said Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao as Chhattisgarh’s seven urban bodies received national awards together in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25. Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Administration and Development Minister, Arun Sao, made this announcement in New Delhi, after accepting the awards alongside mayors, chairpersons, and officials from the winning civic bodies. “For the first time, so many urban bodies of Chhattisgarh have received national awards together,” stated Sao. He attributed the remarkable achievement to “the commitment of Vishnu’s good governance and urban administration department, the cooperation of all Swachhta Mitras and the city residents.” Sao highlighted that the “Good Governance Government” had allocated Rs 7400 crore last year for the development and cleanliness of these bodies, which has now yielded this “pleasant result.” After receiving the prestigious awards, Deputy Chief Minister Sao declared that Chhattisgarh has truly embodied the motto of “Swachhta Paramo Dharma.”

 

The people of the state have successfully integrated cleanliness into their culture. Sao credited this national recognition to the “able guidance of the respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the good governance of Vishnu, the cooperation of the people of the state, and the dedication and hard work of the officers and employees.” Sao detailed the proactive measures taken by the Urban Administration and Development Department since he assumed responsibility. He noted that officials were directed to conduct regular inspections in the field, which led to a “positive change in the cleanliness system in the cities.” Areas with significant garbage accumulation were identified as “cleanliness targeted units,” with a strong emphasis on their remediation.

 

Furthermore, a two-day Nagar Suraj Sangam event was organized in the capital, Raipur. During this summit, public representatives and officials from all urban bodies were educated on best practices and innovations in cleanliness adopted both domestically and internationally. They were also encouraged to undertake study tours to the country’s cleanest cities to implement similar effective strategies in their respective areas. Following these tours, a workshop was held where experiences were shared, and implemented innovations were brainstormed. “I am confident that in the coming times, even better results will be seen in the field of cleanliness in Chhattisgarh,” Sao affirmed, looking ahead to continued progress in urban sanitation.