In a resounding victory for cleanliness and sanitation efforts, Maharashtra has been declared the cleanest state in India according to the government’s Annual Cleanliness Survey. The results, unveiled on Thursday, showcased Maharashtra’s commitment to maintaining high cleanliness standards, with Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh following closely behind in the ‘best performing states’ category of the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023.
Indore and Surat emerged triumphant as the ‘cleanest cities’ in the country. Indore, in particular, achieved a remarkable feat by securing the cleanest city title for the seventh consecutive year. Meanwhile, Navi Mumbai retained its third position, solidifying its reputation for maintaining a clean urban environment.
Chandigarh received special recognition for upholding the best safety standards for sanitation workers, earning the prestigious Safaimitra Surakshit Shehar award. Varanasi was acknowledged as the cleanest “Ganga town” in the nation, highlighting efforts to preserve the cleanliness of areas along the Ganges.
In the overarching category of ‘best-performing states,’ Maharashtra claimed the top spot, demonstrating a collective dedication to cleanliness and sanitation. Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh secured the second and third positions, respectively, showcasing a regional commitment to maintaining cleanliness standards as reported by Livemint.
The Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 ceremony, where President Droupadi Murmu presented the honors, was attended by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and other dignitaries. The event not only celebrated the achievements of the cleanest state and cities but also highlighted the broader efforts to promote cleanliness across urban landscapes.
Launched in 2016 as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, the annual awards covered a vast spectrum, including 4,416 urban local bodies, 61 cantonments, and 88 Ganga towns. The extensive ranking exercise involved the collection of 1.58 crore online citizen feedback and 19.82 lakh face-to-face views, contributing to a comprehensive assessment of cleanliness standards nationwide.
In conclusion, the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 underscored the nation’s commitment to fostering a cleaner and healthier living environment. Maharashtra’s recognition as the cleanest state and Indore’s seventh consecutive win as the cleanest city serve as testaments to the ongoing efforts to make India a shining example of cleanliness and sanitation on the global stage.
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