Shillong, July 17: Shillong was awarded under the ‘Promising Swachh Shehar of State/UT category’ by President of India Droupadi Murmu, on Thursday.
A total of 34 cities across different States and Union Territories were selected for this distinction based on their efforts in improving sanitation, waste management, and citizen participation.
Murmu conferred the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 Awards at Vigyan Bhagwan, New Delhi hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). 23 Super Swachh League Cities received felicitations in the presence of Union Minister, Manohar Lal and MoS, MoHUA, Tokhan Sahu. The new generation of clean cities of India has arrived with Ahmedabad, Bhopal and Lucknow emerging as top Swachh Shehar. 43 National awards have been announced, with a special recognition for Mahakumbh.
At the prestigious Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 Awards Ceremony, Union Minister Manohar Lal presented the award for Best Ganga Town to Prayagraj, while Secunderabad Cantonment was honoured as the Best Cantonment Board for its exemplary sanitation efforts. GVMC Visakhapatnam, Jabalpur, and Gorakhpur were declared Best SaifaiMitra Surakshit Shehar for their outstanding commitment to the safety and dignity of sanitation workers. A special recognition was accorded to State Govt. of UP, Prayagraj Mela Adhikari and Prayagraj Municipal Corporation, for its exceptional urban waste management during the Mahakumbh, the world’s largest congregation, which witnessed an estimated footfall of 66 crore people.
This year’s Swachh Survekshan not only refined and streamlined the framework for big cities, but also simplified it for small cities, encouraging them to compete and climb the ladder of swachhata. The smaller cities found a level playing ground with big cities in the survey. Following the ‘One City, One Award’ principle, the top-performing cities from each State were recognized as Promising Swachh Shehars. A total of 34 cities across various States and Union Territories earned this distinction, showcasing their notable progress in urban cleanliness and sanitation excellence.
Speaking at the event, the President of India complimented the Ministry for promoting the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R) approach and commended the waste to wealth memento presented to her. “Waste is best” is the mantra and it gives strength to circularity in economy”, she added. She highlighted its role in empowering youth, generating green jobs, and creating entrepreneurial opportunities, engaging SHGs. “I am heartened to see that cities have embraced the principles of a circular economy and swachhata as part of our swabhav and sanskaar”, she said.
