“Indore and Surat Lead the Way: Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 Unveil Cleanest Cities in India”
Introduction:
President Droupadi Murmu honored cities, states, and individuals championing cleanliness at the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 ceremony on Thursday. Indore and Surat secured top honors as the cleanest cities in India, with Indore maintaining its impressive streak for the seventh consecutive year.
Cleanest Cities and States:
Indore and Surat Clinch Top Spots for the Seventh Time
Navi Mumbai Claims Third Position
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh Recognized as the Cleanest States
Population Segregation:
In the category of cities with populations below one lakh, Sasvad, Patan, and Lonavala emerged as the top three performers.
Ganga Towns Recognition:
Varanasi and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh were applauded as the Cleanest Ganga Towns.
President Murmu’s Commendation:
lauded the extensive public participation in the survey, emphasizing the role of Swachh Survekshan in raising cleanliness standards. She praised collective efforts in advancing the nation towards ‘Cleanliness to Prosperity,’ highlighting the vital role of cleanliness campaigns in creating economic opportunities, particularly for women.
Safai Mitras Recognition:
Acknowledging the frontline contribution of Safai Mitras, President Murmu expressed satisfaction with the measures taken to ensure their safety, dignity, and welfare. She underscored the importance of mechanized cleaning to eliminate manholes, emphasizing its role in societal progress.
Circularity in Waste Management:
President Murmu commended the focus on circularity in waste management, expressing confidence in its efficacy for sustainable development. She advocated a holistic perspective on waste, encouraging innovative solutions like generating biogas from green waste and producing electricity from refuse-derived fuel.
Youth Involvement:
Calling upon the youth as key stakeholders, President Murmu urged them to champion the goal of making India the cleanest country globally. She envisioned India celebrating its centenary of independence in 2047 as one of the cleanest nations if the youth committed to cleanliness.
Minister Puri’s Insights:
Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted the extensive scope of the survey, covering one lakh sites in 4,447 cities and receiving responses from twelve crore citizens. He emphasized the substantial increase in waste processing, from 15 to 76 percent since 2014.
Chhattisgarh’s Pride:
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed pride in the state’s achievements, securing the third position in the state category with 67 awards since the inception of the Swachh Survekshan Award in 2017.
Conclusion:
The Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 not only celebrated cleanliness achievements but also underscored the collective responsibility towards building a cleaner and sustainable future for India.