Shillong, July 17: In a significant recognition to the efforts of government authorities and citizens towards Swachhata, Shillong was awarded under ‘Promising Swachh Shehar of State/UT’ category during the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 Awards ceremony in New Delhi on Thursday.
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the awards instituted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
A total of 34 cities were selected under Promising Swachh Shehar of State/UT category based on their efforts in improving sanitation, waste management, and citizen participation.
Meanwhile, 23 cities were honoured with Super Swachh League Cities awards with Ahmedabad, Bhopal and Lucknow emerging as top Swachh Shehars.
Union MoHUA 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 Saifai Mitra Surakshit Shehar for their commitment towards safety and dignity of sanitation workers.
A special recognition was accorded to Uttar Pradesh state government, 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 refined and streamlined the framework for small cities, enabling them a level playing ground with big cities in the survey.
In her address, the President 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.
She also praised how the school interventions, initiatives for source segregation startups, zero waste colonies are making the resolve for Swachh Bharat stronger.
“Viksit Bharat of 2047 will be exemplary for the world,” she said.
Launching the Swachh City Partnership initiative, MoHUA minister Manohar Lal said all 78 top performing cities will across all population categories will adopt & mentor one poor performing city each from the respective States.
Announcing the Accelerated Dumpsite Remediation programme, the union minister said, “This 1-year special programme starting from August 15, 2025, will not only help fast-track legacy waste remediation and unlock massive urban space, but will also push the scientific waste processing capacity.”
