Bhubaneswar, 11 November (H.S.): Odisha has received national recognition for its efforts to improve urban sanitation, cleanliness and sustainable waste management at the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2025–26.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra and Additional Chief Secretary of the H&UD Department, Usha Padhee, received the award from President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The State recorded notable achievements, with Puri securing the first position in the Swachh Coastal Town category. Bhubaneswar was recognised as Odisha’s first State Swachh City, while Aska Municipality secured the second rank among Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) with a population of 20,000 to 50,000.

The achievements highlight the growing emphasis on improving sanitation infrastructure, strengthening waste management systems and encouraging public participation in cleanliness initiatives across Odisha's urban areas.

The recognition marks a significant milestone in the State's efforts to develop cleaner, healthier and more liveable cities. It also acknowledges the collective contribution of the State Government, Urban Local Bodies, sanitation workers and citizens in promoting urban cleanliness and civic responsibility.

The Swachh Survekshan Awards 2025–26 mark the tenth edition of the world's largest urban cleanliness and sanitation assessment, conducted under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban. This year's edition, themed ‘Swachhata Ki Nayi Pehel – Badhayein Haath, Karein Safai Saath’, celebrates a decade of efforts to transform urban sanitation through citizen participation, institutional accountability and healthy competition among cities.

Special Secretary-cum-Mission Director of Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) Binaya Kumar Dash, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Mayor Sulochana Das, the Commissioner of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, representatives of Puri Municipal Corporation, and the Chairperson and Executive Officer of Aska Municipality were also part of the State delegation at the award ceremony.

The recognition is expected to further strengthen Odisha's resolve to improve urban sanitation, promote sustainable waste management and advance the vision of clean, inclusive and liveable cities across the State.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda