Odisha has earned national recognition for its efforts towards improving urban cleanliness, sanitation 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 Housing and Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, received the award from President Droupadi Murmu at a special ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Adding to the state’s achievements, Puri secured the first position in the Swachh Coastal Town category, while Bhubaneswar was recognised as Odisha’s first State Swachh City. Aska Municipality also secured the second rank among Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) with a population of 20,000 to 50,000.
The achievements highlight Odisha’s efforts to improve sanitation standards, strengthen waste management systems and encourage public participation in cleanliness initiatives.
Odisha’s Cities Shine at National Cleanliness Awards
The recognition marks an important milestone in Odisha’s efforts to develop cleaner, healthier and more liveable urban centres.
The awards acknowledge the collective contribution of the state government, Urban Local Bodies, sanitation workers and citizens towards improving urban sanitation and promoting civic responsibility.
Puri’s top ranking in the Swachh Coastal Town category is particularly significant, considering the importance of maintaining cleanliness and effective waste management in a major coastal pilgrimage and tourist destination.
Similarly, Bhubaneswar’s recognition as Odisha’s first State Swachh City reflects the capital city’s progress in urban cleanliness and sanitation management.
10th Edition of Swachh Survekshan Awards
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 carries the theme ‘Swachhata Ki Nayi Pehel – Badhayein Haath, Karein Safai Saath’, celebrating a decade of efforts to transform urban sanitation through citizen participation, institutional accountability and healthy competition among cities.
The award ceremony was attended by Special Secretary-cum-Mission Director of SBM (Urban), Binaya Kumar Dash; Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das; the Commissioner of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation; representatives of Puri Municipal Corporation; and the Chairperson and Executive Officer of Aska Municipality.
The latest recognition has further strengthened Odisha’s commitment to improving urban sanitation, promoting sustainable waste management and developing clean, inclusive and liveable cities across the state.