MoHUA recognizes Swachhta initiatives undertaken by cities, states and UTs
At ‘Swachh Amrit Mahotsav’ organized by Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi witnessed nine five-star cities and 143  three-star garbage free cities getting honoured by the President of India Ramnath Kovind for the good work done for Swacchata.
They were awarded under various initiatives which included Safaimitra Suraksha Challenge, Swachh Survekshan 2021 besides certifications for Garbage Free Star ratings for cities. More than 300 awards were given away during the day. In more than 1 lakh population categorey Indore was adjudged the cleanest city for 5th consecutive time under Swachh Survekshan on the occasion. Vijaywada and Surat bagged the second and third position in this category.
Under SafaiMitra Suraksha Challenge at the event Nellore, Navi Mumbai and Indore emerged as top performers. The title of ‘India’s Cleanest Cantonment’ was won by Ahmedabad Cantonment followed by Meerut Cantonment and Delhi Cantonment. Varanasi was adjudged Best Ganga Town. Chhattisgarh won Cleanest State title under the category of state awards in more than 100 Urban Local Bodies category while Jharkhand won Cleanest State award  in less than 100 ULBs category. Mizoram and Karnataka were adjudged Fastest Mover States in small and big state categories respectively with more than 100 ULBs
Speaking on the occasion the President appreciated sanitation workers and Safai Mitras for continuously rendering their services even during the pandemic. He added that to keep the cities clean effective management of solid waste is essential.
The Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri said the mission has become truly a Jan Andolan by taking the shape of a people’s movement. He added that creating green and inclusive cities is the effort that we owe to our future generations.
Apart from the President Kovind, the Minister of State for Housing & Urban Affairs Kaushal Kishore and Puri also felicitated the awardee States and Cities. Among the dignitaires present on the occasion included Leutant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar islands apart from the Chief Ministers of Sikkim and Chhattisgarh. The event saw over 5 crore citiens’ feedback in comparision  to just 1.87 cores last year.
A song titled ‘Har Dhadkan Swachh Bharat Ki was also released during the event. The song reaffirming the country’s commitment to the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 enhanced the spirit of the celebration.
