Latest news with #SwachhSurvekshan2024-25
The Hindu
44 minutes ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Oulgaret Municipality bags Swachh award for most promising clean city of U.T.
Oulgaret Municipality has bagged the award under the 'Most Promising Clean City of State/UT' category at the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 awards ceremony held in New Delhi on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The Union Territory earned the honour in the 9th edition of what is possibly the world's biggest urban cleanliness surveys, a press note from the Local Administration department said. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 Awards at a national ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) at Vigyan Bhawan in the presence of Union Minister Manohar Lal and Minister of State Tokhan Sahu. A total of 78 awards were presented across four categories – Super Swachh League Cities; Top 3 clean cities in 5 population categories; Special Category: Ganga Towns, Cantonment Boards, SafaiMitra Suraksha, Mahakumbh and State Level Awards – Promising clean city of State/UT. The award for Oulgaret Municipality was received from the Union Minister in the presence of Srinivas Katikithala, MoHUA Secretary and Roopa Mishra, Joint Secretary-cum-Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) by R. Kesavan, Secretary (LA), along with S. Shakthyvel, Director (LA)-cum-Mission Director (SBM) and A. Sureshraj, Commissioner, Oulgaret Municipality. According to the press note, Oulgaret Municipality earned the national recognition for their cleanliness efforts as the Most Promising Clean City of the Union Territory of Puducherry. The 2024-25 awards that spotlighted the theme of 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' involved over 3,000 assessors conducting thorough inspections in every ward across the country over a period of 45 days. An estimated 11 lakh households were assessed on urban living standards during the exercise. Under the SBM (U) 2.0, the Union Territory of Puducherry through its Mission Directorate at the Local Administration department (LAD), is implementing six Solid Waste Management projects related to Integrated Solid Waste Processing and Legacy Waste Management in Pondicherry, Oulgaret, Karaikal and Yanam municipalities, Urban Sanitation projects in all five municipalities, including construction of community toilets, public toilets and aspirational toilets, and Used Water Management projects in Mahe and Yanam municipalities, the press note said.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- General
- The Hindu
Tiruchi ranks 49th among 95 ‘big cities' in Swachh Survekshan survey
Tiruchi Corporation has achieved the 49th rank in the national-level cleanliness survey, Swachh Survekshan 2024-25, out of 95 cities with a population between 3 lakh and 10 lakh. According to the data released by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, of the 12,500 marks, Tiruchi secured 8,239 marks in the 'big cities' category (cities with population between 3 to 10 lakh), achieving 49th position, out of 95 cities across the country. Tiruchi has topped the State in this category and placed ninth in the overall State rankings. Tiruchi scored well in parameters such as waste management and processing, cleanliness of markets, waterbodies and residential areas, and remediation of dumpsites. However, the city has to improve in door-to-door waste collection, waste segregation, and cleanliness of public toilets. Compared to the previous years, Tiruchi managed to perform well and move forward in the ranking. In the 2023-24 survey, the city bagged the 112th position out of 446 major cities across the country. The Ministry has certified Tiruchi Corporation as an ODF++ (open defecation free ++) achiever, as the key parameters such as all public toilets either linked to a sewage network or septic tanks, periodical desludging of septic tanks, and better maintenance of the public toilets were fulfilled. 'We will continue to improve the maintenance of public toilets and address waste segregation and processing effectively,' a senior official said.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Devrishi's sonic revolution: The man behind Indore's Swachhta anthems
Devrishi As Indore today sealed its legacy, claiming the title of India's Cleanest City for an eighth consecutive time in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25, it wasn't just a win for administ rative efficiency or solid waste management. It was a triumph of cultural awakening—a sound revolution that stirred the city's soul and got its people singing for cleanliness. The President will present this monumental award in a grand ceremony in New Delhi today. This extraordinary campaign's foundation was laid in 2016, as the city took its first major steps towards cleanliness. That same year, a song emerged that would redefine the city's destiny – Ho Halla . It was crafted by then-ad filmmaker Rishikesh Pandey, now known as Devrishi, the revered philosopher and musician. The lyrics were penned by Devrishi with IAS P. Narahari, the then District Collector and an innovative administrative officer, and the song was brought to life by the voice of acclaimed singer Shaan. The birth of Ho Halla: From love song to morning alarm Initially, there was skepticism. Senior city officials and the then-Mayor found Ho Halla to be too emotional, too "filmy"—almost like a "love song"—departing from traditional promotional methods. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo But Municipal Commissioner Manish Singh placed extraordinary trust in this new experiment. Devrishi urged that if the song was played on the city's garbage collection vehicles for just five days and received negative feedback, it would be immediately removed. Manish Singh gave the green light—and that moment became a turning point in Indore's cultural history. By the fifth day, a message arrived from the Mayor's office: "This song, heard repeatedly, has now captured our hearts." Within weeks, Ho Halla became Indore's cultural emblem. The song began to echo with the sound of garbage vehicles every morning, leading citizens to affectionately call it 'Indore's Morning Alarm.' Children would stand at their doors with bins, drawn by the song's tune. It played in school assemblies and became a popular caller tune. People even danced to it at Garba nights and weddings. Ho Halla' had transformed into a mantra of civic consciousness. A symphony of victories: Every win, a new anthem Following Ho Halla, each year brought a new anthem for Indore's cleanliness journey, fortifying its campaign: Ho Halla Again was released in 2017, sung by Shaan. For Indore's hat-trick win in 2018, Hatrick was launched, featuring voices from Shaan, Payal Dev, and Jubin Nautiyal. In 2019, Shankar Mahadevan lent his voice to 'Chauka,' elevating the initiative. And in 2024, Sonu Nigam's powerful voice infused new energy into Halla Bol – Swachhta ka Sirmaur Indore . Devrishi helmed the musical direction for all these anthems, with P. Narahari co-writing the lyrics. These songs moved beyond digital platforms, resonating through city streets, public events, and schools, ensuring the message of cleanliness reached every household. Hai Halla: The unofficial anthem of triumph Another song holds a unique place in Indore's cleanliness saga—'Hai Halla.' This anthem was specifically created to celebrate Indore's very first time achieving the number one spot in cleanliness. Since then, it has become the city's unofficial victory song. Whenever Indore is declared the cleanest city, citizens celebrate its infectious rhythm. Its lyrics, "Sabki mehnat ka phal hai, Indore number one hai, Hai Halla, Hai Halla," encapsulate the city's collective effort and pride. Sung by Shaan, Payal Dev, and Devrishi himself, 'Hai Halla' isn't just a tune; it's a spontaneous outpouring of civic jubilation that re-ignites with every new cleanliness declaration. Art, administration, and community: A winning model Indore's extraordinary story demonstrates that when artistic mediums like music, skilled administration, and active community participation converge, the result isn't just government policies; it's large-scale behavioral change driven by collective emotion and cultural connection. Madhya Pradesh's Chief Minister, Dr. Mohan Yadav, has rightly lauded Indore's approach as an "ideal cultural model" for the entire state, recognizing its profound impact. Today, Devrishi continues to dedicate his musical talent to spiritual and social welfare initiatives, a significant shift that coincided with his personal name change. Indore's musical journey stands as a powerful testament: cities aren't transformed merely by mandates—they transform by singing, awakening, and connecting. And sometimes, a single song is all it takes—to awaken, unite, and transform an entire city.
Hindustan Times
9 hours ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Swachh Survekshan 2024-25: Pimpri-Chinchwad named cleanest city in Maharashtra
Pimpri-Chinchwad is declared cleanest city in Maharashtra and seventh in India among million-plus cities in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25. The twin city retained two certifications – 7-Star Garbage Free City and Water Plus status – given by the ministry of housing and urban affairs (MoHUA). It was ranked third in state and 13th nationally in the survey carried last year. The city once again earned the Water Plus certification, reflecting its 100% compliance with wastewater management and other efforts. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO) President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards at a ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Thursday. Union minister Manohar Lal and Minister of State (MoS), ministry of housing and urban affairs, Tokhan Sahu attended the event. This year's survey, the ninth edition of Swachh Survekshan, covered more than 4,500 cities and recorded participation from over 14 crore citizens. Pimpri-Chinchwad scored 11,782 points and outperformed Pune, ranked eighth with 11,653 points, and Thane, which stood at 15th place with 10,836 points. The top position in the category in the country was held by Ahmedabad, followed by Bhopal and Lucknow. Civic officials said retention of 7-Star Garbage Free City status was result of implementation of scientific solid waste processing at the source and decentralised waste treatment across all wards. Door-to-door segregated collection, composting units, recycling plants, and biogas facilities contributed to the milestone. The city once again earned the Water Plus certification, reflecting its 100% compliance with wastewater management and other efforts. Shekhar Singh, Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal commissioner, said, 'The recognition is proof to Pimpri-Chinchwad's sustained and inclusive efforts.' Vijaykumar Khorate, additional PCMC commissioner, said, 'Our next focus will be on zero waste policies, sustainable sanitation, water reuse, and building an environmentally responsible urban ecosystem.' Sachin Pawar, deputy commissioner (health), said, 'We are determined to work harder and aim to bring Pimpri-Chinchwad to the top national position in the next survey.'
Time of India
11 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Tidy triumph: Ahmedabad tops list of cleanest emerging cities in 1 million+ population category, beats Bhopal and Lucknow in Swachh Survekshan
Ahmedabad has been recognized as India's cleanest city in the one-million population category in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25, an honor presented by President Droupadi Murmu. AHMEDABAD: A cleaner and greener Ahmedabad has made it to the top tier of India's cleanest emerging cities. In the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25, the city was declared the cleanest city in the one-million population category in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25. The honour was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhavan on Thursday. Ahmedabad, alongside Bhopal and Lucknow that rank second and third in the category, have emerged as 'new clean cities' that are frontrunners in urban cleanliness. Cities like Indore, Surat, and Navi Mumbai have advanced to the elite 'Super Swachh League'. This milestone reflects years of groundwork by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), which has rolled out a data-driven, technology-backed solid waste management strategy. Since Aug 2024, the city has achieved daily door-to-door collection from 25 lakh properties using 1,850 GPS-enabled vehicles and 9,000 sanitation workers. Mechanical road sweepers, along with a cleanliness mapping of over 43,000 points of interest (POIs), have kept the city visibly cleaner, said Vijay Mistry, director of AMC's solid waste management department. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad One of the city's biggest environmental wins has been the transformation of the Pirana dumpsite. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo "The AMC remediated legacy waste, converting it into refuse-derived fuel and construction material," Mistry added. Citizens, too, have played a key role. The 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' and 'My Thaili' drives have mobilized self-help group women to encourage sustainable practices across neighbourhoods. Enforcement on littering and non-compliance has been strictly monitored. Municipal commissioner Banchha Nidhi Pani credited the strong foundation laid by former commissioner M Thennarasan for this national recognition. "This is not just a win for AMC but for every citizen who participated in the city's cleanliness journey," he said.
