Chief Minister Announces Awards for Cleanliness in Urban Bodies

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai honored sanitation workers at the ‘Swachhta Sangam’ event, recognizing their significant contributions to making cities clean and beautiful. The event, held at the Bhetharai Indoor Stadium in Bilaspur, also acknowledged urban bodies that excelled in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao presided over the program organized by the Urban Administration and Development Department. The Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation for development projects worth over ₹260 crore. He announced a reward of ₹1 crore for the urban body achieving the top national rank in cleanliness, ₹50 lakh for the second rank, and ₹25 lakh for the third rank. The event saw the presence of various dignitaries, including MLAs, the Mayor of Bilaspur, and other officials. Chief Minister Sai lauded the Urban Administration Department for the successful organization of the ‘Swachhta Sangam’, emphasizing the invaluable contribution of sanitation workers. He highlighted the Swachh Bharat Mission launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, noting the progress made in cleanliness and the achievements of Chhattisgarh in this regard. The Chief Minister also mentioned the various innovations implemented by the Urban Administration Department for the convenience of citizens and urged public participation in making the state clean and beautiful. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao reflected on the historic day for Chhattisgarh, acknowledging the transformation of the cleanliness initiative into a public movement. He highlighted the state’s progress in cleanliness, the national recognition received, and the six national awards won by urban bodies. He noted that Raipur Municipal Corporation received a seven-star rating in Garbage-Free City, and 58 cities in Chhattisgarh with a population of less than 20,000 achieved a three-star rating. The focus is on making the cities clean, beautiful, and convenient, with cleanliness becoming the identity of Chhattisgarh. The Secretary of the Urban Administration and Development Department, Dr. Basavaraju S., informed that 115 cities in the state have significantly improved their rankings in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25. Seven urban bodies were honored with awards from President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi. Additionally, the Chief Minister launched an online portal for property tax payment in three municipal corporations and 43 municipalities, a step towards modernizing local self-governance and providing citizens with home-based services. The ‘Swachhta Sangam’ also marked the launch of a state-level competition to enhance cleanliness and urban beautification standards in urban bodies. The Chief Minister unveiled a video based on Swachh Survekshan 2024-25. He inaugurated 24 development projects worth ₹63.57 crore and laid the foundation for 25 projects worth over ₹197 crore.