The President of India, Droupadi Murmu conferred Swachh Survekshan awards 2023 in New Delhi hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). 13 awardees received felicitations under categories of Clean Cities, Cleanest Cantonment, SafaiMitra Suraksha, Ganga Towns and Best Performing State were given away. This year the cleanest city award showcased joint winners. Port city Surat bagged the top honours, alongside Indore, who had conquered the top spot alone for 6 consecutive years. In the category of cities with a population of less than 1 lakh, Sasvad, Patan and Lonavala secured the top three spots. 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. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh won the top three awards for Best Performing State.  Chandigarh walked away with the award for the Best Safaimitra Surakshit Sheher. 110 awards were bestowed during the ceremony.

Role of effective waste management

According to a new report, Indore civic officials attributed the victory to the effective, sustainable and durable waste management system. The survey, based on the theme ‘Waste to Wealth’, saw a tough competition among more than 4,400 cities in different categories. The cleanliness survey or Swachh Survekshan was started by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in 2016.

President of India launched the Swachh Survekshan 2023 dashboard. 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.” The Hon’ble President appreciated that all States, ULBs, citizens are moving ahead on the path of prosperity through cleanliness and are creating self-reliance through the Mission. Highlighting SafaiMitra Suraksha, the President said,” I am immensely happy to know that effective steps are being taken to ensure SafaiMitra safety, dignity and well-being. “ Emphasising 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.” Hon’ble President urged all to be swachhata doots and spread awareness. I am happy to know that all of you have set the theme of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle for Cleanliness Survey 2024.” 

Speaking at the occasion, Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri said, “Today every city in India is ODF. This became possible because SBM went from a govt programme to becoming a Jan Andolan. The mission is a testimony to the vision of Antodaya se Sarvodaya.” Highlighting the achievements of Swachh Bharat Mission, the Union Minister specified that in 2014 there was only 15-16% scientific processing of waste, while today the number is almost 76%, in next 2 to 3 years, 100% will be achieved. By the end of this mission we will have fully transitioned from manhole to machine hole. SBM has brought about a considerable behavioural change amongst people. Speaking on Swachh Survekshan, he added “Swachh Survekshan has integrated strict process and discipline among cities in terms of Swachhata. From modest beginnings in 2016, today the Swachh Survekshan has evolved into the world’s largest annual survey. SS has fostered healthy competition among cities and is a robust third-party assessment.”