Bhubaneswar: Odisha has earned national recognition for its urban sanitation and cleanliness initiatives, with the state receiving an award at the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2025–26, presented by President Droupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi Tuesday.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra and Additional Chief Secretary of the department Usha Padhee received the award from the President at the ceremony, marking a significant achievement for the state’s urban cleanliness efforts.
Adding to the recognition, Puri secured the first position in the Swachh Coastal Town category, while Bhubaneswar was recognised as Odisha’s first state Swachh City.
Aska Municipali ty also secured the second rank among urban local bodies with a population of 20,000 to 50,000.
The honours underline the efforts of urban local bodies across Odisha to improve sanitation infrastructure, strengthen waste management and encourage public participation in maintaining cleanliness.
The achievements also reflect the role of sanitation workers and civic bodies in implementing cleanliness initiatives at the grassroots level.
The 2025–26 edition marks the tenth year of Swachh Survekshan, conducted under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban.
The annual exercise assesses urban local bodies on cleanliness, sanitation and waste management while encouraging healthy competition among cities and towns.
This year’s theme, ‘Swachha ta Ki Nayi Pehel – Badhayein Haath, Karein Safai Saath’, highlights the importance of collective action and citizen participation in sustaining urban cleanliness.
Special Secretary-cum-Mission Director of Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) Binaya Kumar Dash, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, the Commissioner of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation and representatives of Puri Municipal Corporation and Aska Municipality were also part of the State delegation at the award ceremony.
The recognition comes as a boost to Odisha’s efforts to build cleaner and more liveable urban centres, although sustaining the gains will depend on effective waste management, regular sanitation services and continued citizen participation.
