Chhattisgarh Government to Award Urban Bodies for Cleanliness Efforts

In a ceremony titled ‘Swachhta Sangam’, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai paid tribute to sanitation workers for their essential role in keeping cities clean and attractive. This event in Bilaspur also recognized urban local bodies for their outstanding performance in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao chaired the program, which was organized by the Urban Administration and Development Department. The Chief Minister inaugurated several development projects worth over ₹260 crore. He announced that the urban body securing the first position nationally in cleanliness would receive ₹1 crore, the second-placed body ₹50 lakh, and the third ₹25 lakh. The event was attended by numerous elected representatives, including MLAs, the Mayor of Bilaspur, and other officials. Chief Minister Sai praised the Urban Administration Department for the successful ‘Swachhta Sangam’, highlighting the crucial contribution of sanitation workers. He emphasized the impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and the advancements made in cleanliness, particularly in Chhattisgarh. The Chief Minister also discussed the department’s ongoing efforts to implement citizen-friendly innovations and called for public involvement in maintaining a clean and beautiful state. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao emphasized the significance of the day for Chhattisgarh, recognizing the transformation of the cleanliness drive into a widespread movement. He highlighted the progress made in cleanliness, the national recognition gained, and the six national awards received by the urban bodies. He pointed out the seven-star rating awarded to Raipur Municipal Corporation for being a Garbage-Free City and the three-star rating achieved by 58 cities in Chhattisgarh with a population under 20,000. The goal is to make the cities clean, attractive, and convenient, with cleanliness becoming a defining feature of Chhattisgarh. Dr. Basavaraju S., Secretary of the Urban Administration and Development Department, stated that 115 cities in the state improved their rankings in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25. Seven urban bodies were honored by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi. The Chief Minister also launched an online property tax payment portal for three municipal corporations and 43 municipalities, aimed at modernizing local governance and offering online services to citizens. The ‘Swachhta Sangam’ also included the launch of a state-level competition for upholding cleanliness and urban beautification standards. The Chief Minister released a video on the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25. He inaugurated 24 projects worth ₹63.57 crore and laid the foundation for 25 projects costing over ₹197 crore.