New Delhi: Surat has joined Indore in securing the badge of the cleanest city across the country, while Navi Mumbai retained the third position in the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 announced on Thursday.
This is the seventh consecutive year that Indore has been bagging the top position.
Among the category of cities with a population of less than 1 lakh, Sasvad, Patan and Lonavala have secured the top three ranks. Maharashtra bagged the first position, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in the category of ‘Best Performing States’.
Mhow Cantonment Board in Madhya Pradesh was adjudged the Cleanest Cantonment Board.
Varanasi and Prayagraj won the top two awards amongst the Cleanest Ganga Towns. While Chandigarh walked away with the award for the Best Safaimitra Surakshit Sheher.
President Droupadi Murmu conferred Swachh Survekshan awards 2023 to representatives of the cities and states at the function organised by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.
Speaking at the event, the President said, “When everyone contributes to and participates in Swachh Survekshan, it’s an important step forward.”
Praising the States and ULBs for their performance in Swachh Survekshan, she said, “The theme for the year 2023 “Waste to Wealth” is an important topic to ponder upon. I would like to say that wealth should be created out of waste as that will help the overall cleanliness. Cleanliness has to be made divine process.”
The G20 Leaders’ Delhi Declaration has committed to “enhance environmentally sound waste management and substantially reduce waste generation by 2030 and highlight the importance of zero waste initiatives.”
“Emphasizing the importance of circular economy, she added, “It is highly commendable that in the second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission, circular waste management is being followed and the circular economy process of recycling and reusing more and more items is proving helpful for sustainable development.” She further urged all to be swachhata doots and spread awareness.
Nearly 110 awards were bestowed during the ceremony.