Chhattisgarh Shines Nationally in Cleanliness Rankings; Bilha Named India’s Cleanest Town (Population Under 20,000)

Raipur : Chhattisgarh has made a remarkable mark on the national stage in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25, with Bilha Nagar Panchayat emerging as the cleanest town in India in the under 20,000 population category. In total, seven urban bodies from the state were honored for outstanding performance in cleanliness by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India.

National Cleanliness Rankings:

• Bilha: 1st in India among towns with population under 20,000
• Bilaspur: 2nd nationally in the 3–10 lakh population category
• Kumhari: 3rd in the 20,000–50,000 population category

These accolades were presented by President Droupadi Murmu at a grand ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The awards were received by Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Arun Sao, along with mayors, municipal chairpersons, and officers from the respective bodies. Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal and MoS Tokhan Sahu were also present.

Chhattisgarh’s Clean City Champions:
In addition to the top ranks, Ambikapur, Patan, Bishrampur, and Raipur brought further recognition to the state. Notably, Ambikapur, Patan, and Bishrampur secured a place in the newly introduced “Swachhata Super League (SSL)”, which recognizes cities that have consistently ranked in the top three in the past three years and are in the top 20 this year.

• Ambikapur: SSL award in the 50,000 to 3 lakh category
• Patan & Bishrampur: SSL award in under 20,000 population category
• Raipur: Honored as Chhattisgarh’s “Promising Clean City”

Leaders Speak:
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated the award-winning urban bodies, stating that this achievement reflects the collective efforts of citizens, urban local bodies, and administrators. He expressed confidence that this recognition will inspire other cities in the state to strive for cleanliness and beautification.

Deputy CM Arun Sao also praised the winners, calling the achievement a symbol of sustained efforts toward cleanliness. He emphasized that both state and central governments are continuously innovating to build cleaner, more beautiful, and better-equipped urban centers.

This national recognition once again positions Chhattisgarh as a leader in cleanliness and urban development across India.