In a resounding victory for Chhattisgarh’s dedication to cleanliness and sanitation, the state has clinched a national award at the Swachh Survekshan Awards-2023. The recognition comes as a testament to the state’s exemplary efforts in promoting hygiene and cleanliness practices. Not only did our state snag the prestigious third spot in the “Best Performing State” category, but our cities are shining bright too!
Patan Emerges as the Second Cleanest City
Patan, a little gem in Chhattisgarh with less than a lakh residents has been declared the second cleanest city in the whole country. This recognition serves as a source of pride for the residents.
But Patan isn’t alone in the spotlight. Four other cities from Chhattisgarh, Raipur, Kumhari, Mahasamund, and Arang, have also received awards for their outstanding cleanliness efforts. Raipur and Patan even got a five-star rating for being “Garbage Free Cities”.
Clean City Status
The capital city, Raipur, has achieved the distinction of being recognized as a 5-star clean city in Chhattisgarh, given its population exceeding one lakh. Mahasamund, Kumhari, and Arang have been awarded for their cleanliness in specific zones, with populations ranging from 50 thousand to 1 lakh, 25 thousand to 50 thousand, and 15 thousand to 25 thousand, respectively. This emphasizes the inclusivity of the recognition, acknowledging efforts in various urban areas.
This is a huge achievement for Chhattisgarh! It shows how hard our communities are working to keep our state clean and healthy. From managing waste effectively to creating awareness about sanitation, all that effort is paying off.
And it’s not just about awards. A clean state means happier and healthier people. Less waste means less pollution and disease. It also means a more attractive environment for tourists and businesses to come in, which can boost our economy.
Prestigious Awards Ceremony
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy CM Arun Sao were honored to receive the coveted awards at a prestigious ceremony held at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in New Delhi. The presence of President Droupadi Murmu, Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri, and Secretary Manoj Joshi added significance to the occasion.
Swachh Bharat Mission’s Impact on Chhattisgarh
Initiated in 2016 as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission, the annual Swachh Survekshan Awards have covered 4,416 urban local bodies, 61 cantonments, and 88 Ganga towns in 2023. The Ministry reported receiving 1.58 crore online citizen feedback and 19.82 lakh face-to-face views, showcasing the widespread participation and impact of the mission.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed his gratitude to the people of the state for their collective effort. This acknowledgment underlines the collaborative approach and community participation that has driven the success of cleanliness initiatives in Chhattisgarh. This national recognition is a source of pride and motivation for the residents and authorities alike.
Achievements of the Swachh Bharat Mission
The Union Minister outlined the achievements of the Swachh Bharat Mission, noting that in 2014, only 15-16% of waste had scientific processing, a figure that has now risen to almost 76%.
He expressed confidence that, in the next 2 to 3 years, the mission will achieve 100% scientific waste processing. The mission has not only focused on infrastructure but has also brought about considerable behavioral change among the people.
In conclusion, Chhattisgarh’s success in the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 is a testament to its unwavering commitment to cleanliness, reflecting a broader nationwide movement towards a cleaner and healthier India.
The accolades received by cities and states underscore the transformative impact of initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission in fostering a culture of cleanliness and hygiene across the country.
Positive Takeaway
So, let’s give a big cheer to our Swachh heroes in Chhattisgarh! From the dedicated sanitation workers to the everyday citizens who keep their neighborhoods clean, we’re all part of this success story.
Remember, cleanliness starts with each one of us. Let’s keep Chhattisgarh sparkling!
Here are some other things you can do to be a Swachh champion:
- Segregate your waste – wet from dry, organic from inorganic.
- Use composting pits for organic waste.
- Don’t litter – use dustbins and public toilets.
- Spread awareness about cleanliness in your community.
Together, we can make Chhattisgarh not just the third cleanest state, but the cleanest in the whole country! Let’s do this!
