Discover the triumph of Swachh Survekshan Awards Cleanest City GHMC, Nizampet, Gundlapochampally, and Siddipet. Explore the significance of the “Waste to Wealth” theme and the impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission on waste processing. Join the celebration of cleanliness and commitment to a Garbage-Free future.
The prestigious Swachh Survekshan Awards, hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, witnessed the South city of GHMC claiming the top honors, sharing the “Cleanest City” accolades with Nizampet Municipal Corporation, Gundlapochampally—the event, graced by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, celebrated the achievements of 13 awardees across categories such as Clean Cities, Cleanest Cantonment, SafaiMitra Suraksha, Ganga Towns, and Best Performing State.
The Triumph of Cleanliness
In a significant departure from previous years, Surat and Indore jointly clinched the cleanest city award, breaking Indore’s six-year streak as the sole winner. The recognition extended to cities with populations under 1 lakh, with Sasvad, Patan, and Lonavala securing the top three spots. Mhow Cantonment Board in Madhya Pradesh earned the distinction of being the Cleanest Cantonment Board.
State and Zonal Recognition
Varanasi and Prayagraj stood out as the top two awards for Cleanest Ganga Towns. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh secured the first three positions for Best Performing State. Chandigarh received accolades as the Best Safaimitra Surakshit Sheher. The ceremony honored 110 awardees in total, showcasing the nation’s commitment to cleanliness.
President’s Vision for Waste to Wealth
President Smt. Droupadi Murmu launched the Swachh Survekshan 2023 dashboard and emphasized the theme for the year: “Waste to Wealth.” She highlighted the importance of creating wealth from waste to ensure overall cleanliness and endorsed the circular waste management approach for sustainable development. The President urged citizens to be Swachhata doots, spreading awareness and contributing to the mission.
Union Minister’s Testimony to Success
Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri commended the Swachh Bharat Mission’s success, transforming from a government program to a Jan Andolan (people’s movement). He emphasized the behavioral change among the people, citing an increase in scientific waste processing from 15-16% in 2014 to nearly 76% today. The minister predicted a complete transition from manhole to machine hole by the mission’s end.
Swachh Survekshan Evolution
Secretary, MoHUA, Shri Manoj Joshi highlighted the visible transformation in Swachhata over the last nine years, reaching 90% cleanliness nationwide. Swachh Survekshan 2023 prioritized addressing legacy dumpsites, managing plastic waste, and implementing the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The evaluation, conducted by a team of over 3,000 assessors, showcased the program’s exponential growth.
Unlocking the Gates of a Clean India: Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0
Embracing a Cleaner Future: The Swachh Bharat Mission Evolution
In a remarkable journey that spanned the entire nation, the construction of toilets and the liberation from open defecation became milestones achieved step by step. As we entered 2021, the landscape of India transformed with the initiation of Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0. The lesson of cleanliness had become an integral part of every Indian’s daily routine. Dotted with saplings of cleanliness, the country witnessed the door-to-door waste collection, marking a significant stride in the Swachhata movement.
Paving the Way: Waste Segregation and Plants Across the Nation
The time has come to embark on a journey towards the destination of a garbage-free India. In homage to Mahatma Gandhi, an initiative was launched to create a garbage-free nation. With resounding applause, we express our gratitude, accompanied by powerful rhythms.
Celebrating Achievements: Sudarshan Pattnaik’s Extraordinary Contribution
In October 2023, Padmashri awardee Sudarshan Pattnaik made history by contributing to the Swachh Bharat Mission. More than 87.5 million citizens across the country participated in a one-hour cleanliness drive at over 900,000 locations simultaneously. Let’s witness this historic moment, a glimpse of a changing India.
A Call to Action: Narendra Modi’s Leadership and the Gandhian Legacy
On October 1st, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended an invitation, dedicating his time to actively participate in the cleanliness campaign. The nation responded with enthusiasm, be it common citizens or celebrities, NGOs, or the armed forces. The collective effort of millions, from soldiers to children, demonstrated a unified commitment to cleanliness.
Spreading the Wave: A Nationwide Cleanup Initiative
In a grand event inaugurating the Mahaparva of Swachhata, an online portal facilitated the registration of cleanliness events across the country. All 52 central ministries joined hands, simultaneously contributing to the cleanliness drive. From celebrities to NGOs, youth organizations to future leaders, everyone united to give their pledge for cleanliness.
Nationwide Impact: A Glimpse of the Swachh Bharat Saga
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, which has been ongoing for nine years, has left an indelible mark. Over five thousand urban local bodies and millions of gram panchayats in 28 states and eight centrally governed territories witnessed the saga of cleanliness. The narrative of India’s pride in cleanliness was written by the countless Indians who registered cleanliness events at more than nine lakh locations.
Vision 2026: A Garbage-Free India
With a resolution to achieve a garbage-free India by 2026, the Swachh Bharat Mission has become a colossal movement. It transcends generations, shaping a grand campaign that unfolds every day, every week, and every year. This new journey of cleanliness has begun, turning the energy of the Swachh Bharat anthem into a reality.
Kailash Kher’s Anthem: A New Pledge for a Divine India
The anthem created by Padmashri awardee Kailash Kher signifies a new resolve and a new project for the nation. It’s time to transform waste into gold, eradicate garbage mountains, and create a divine India.
A Transformative Vision: Making India Divine in Cleanliness
India, a nation where the mind is a temple, the home is a sanctuary, and every street resonates with purity. A nation where cleanliness is not just an act but a pilgrimage, a clean path leading to a divine existence.
Conclusion: A Divine India in Complete Cleanliness
The journey towards a divine India in complete cleanliness has begun. The thought of cleanliness will awaken, and the flame of cleanliness will burn bright. Since a yogi’s call to make India clean, every citizen has pledged. Now, a new resolve and a new project lie ahead of the nation—to transform waste into gold, eliminate garbage mountains, and make India divine in complete cleanliness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How were the cleanest cities determined?
A1: The cleanest cities were determined through the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023, where cities were evaluated based on criteria such as waste management, cleanliness, and adherence to the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Q2: What is the significance of the “Waste to Wealth” theme?
A2: The “Waste to Wealth” theme emphasizes the importance of creating economic value from waste, aligning with sustainable development goals and promoting circular waste management.
Q3: How has Swachh Bharat Mission impacted waste processing?
A3: The Swachh Bharat Mission has significantly increased scientific waste processing, with the current rate approaching 76%. The mission aims for 100% scientific waste processing in the next 2 to 3 years.
A Grand Celebration of Swachhata
The award ceremony, attended by over 3000 guests, featured an audiovisual presentation, a Swachh Bharat Mission Anthem for 2024, and a live sand art creation by Padmashri Sudarsan Pattnaik. The event also showcased colorful stalls by Self Help Group members, exhibiting products made from waste, and an exhibition displaying the latest technologies and equipment in waste management.
In essence, the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 served as a testament to the nation’s commitment to cleanliness and provided a platform for cities and citizens to recommit to the goal of achieving Garbage Free cities.
