Indore and Surat have once again secured the prestigious title of the ‘Cleanest Cities of 2023’ in India! Indian President Draupadi Murmu bestowed the Swachh Survekshan Awards on Thursday, declaring both cities as joint winners in the country’s cleanliness rankings.
This marks the seventh consecutive win for Indore in this category, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining high cleanliness standards. Navi Mumbai, which secured the third position last year, retained its rank in this year’s survey. Additionally, Saswad in Maharashtra was honored as the cleanest city in urban centers with a population of less than 1 lakh, with Patan in Chhattisgarh and Lonavala in Maharashtra securing the second and third positions, respectively.
Varanasi and Prayagraj were recognized as the cleanest Ganga Towns, contributing to the effort to keep the sacred river and its surroundings pristine. The MHOW Cantonment Board in Madhya Pradesh earned the distinction of being the cleanest cantonment town.
The Swachh Survekshan Awards ceremony, attended by Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri and Secretary Manoj Joshi, served as a platform to celebrate the achievements of these cities in fostering cleanliness and waste management.
Swachh Survekshan, organized by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) under the Swachh Bharat Urban Mission since 2016, stands as the world’s largest survey on urban sanitation and cleanliness. Acting as a competitive platform for towns and cities, the initiative aims to enhance cleanliness and waste management services across the nation.
MoHUA officials highlighted the importance of citizen participation and awareness in Swachh Survekshan, emphasizing the collective effort required to improve living conditions in towns and cities.
In its eighth year, the survey involved over 3000 assessors evaluating more than 4,500 cities based on 46 indicators. These indicators encompass various aspects, including segregated door-to-door waste collection, zero waste events, disabled-friendly toilets, and improved plastic waste management, among others.
Indore, located in the heart of India, has consistently held the title of the cleanest city in the country. Renowned for its vibrant culture, robust economy, and educational institutions, Indore serves as a prominent hub in Madhya Pradesh. The city’s delectable street food, particularly in the Sarafa Bazaar, has earned it a reputation as a gastronomic haven. The Rajwada Palace, reflecting Maratha and Mughal architectural influences, adds to the city’s historical charm.
Surat in Gujarat, another recipient of the ‘Cleanest City’ award, is a bustling commercial and industrial hub situated along the banks of the Tapi River. Widely recognized for its diamond and textile industries, Surat significantly contributes to the nation’s economy. The city’s rich history is evident in landmarks such as the Chintamani Jain Temple and the medieval Surat Castle, adding to its cultural heritage.
The Swachh Survekshan Awards not only recognize cleanliness achievements but also underscore the commitment of cities like Indore and Surat to creating sustainable and hygienic urban environments. Through such initiatives, India continues to prioritize and elevate the standards of sanitation and cleanliness across its diverse cities.