Bilha Brings National Pride to Chhattisgarh – Ranks First in Cleanliness Nationwide; Praised by PM Narendra Modi in ‘Mann Ki Baat’

Raipur : Bilha Nagar Panchayat in Chhattisgarh has achieved a historic milestone in cleanliness by securing the first position in the Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 under the category of towns with a population of less than 20,000. In recognition of this remarkable feat, Bilha Nagar Panchayat was felicitated by President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, during a grand award ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 17 July 2025.

This prestigious achievement received national recognition today when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 124th edition of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, praised the women of Bilha for their innovation and hard work in the field of sanitation and waste management.

The Prime Minister remarked that the women of Bilha underwent waste management training and, through collective effort, transformed the town’s landscape. He noted this as a proud moment not just for Bilha, but for the entire state of Chhattisgarh, which has embraced cleanliness not just as a government scheme, but as a community-driven movement.

About Bilha’s Cleanliness Model

Bilha Nagar Panchayat has a population of approximately 15,000 and employs 28 “Swachhata Didis” (cleanliness workers), who go door-to-door across 15 wards using e-rickshaws to collect waste. The collected waste is taken to the SLRM (Solid and Liquid Resource Management) Center, where it is segregated into wet and dry waste. Wet waste is converted into compost, while dry waste is sold, enabling the women to become financially self-reliant.

Additionally, 10 special cleanliness commandos have been deployed who use tractors and auto-tippers to clean the town and raise awareness among residents. Through awareness campaigns, door-to-door announcements, and systematic waste collection from homes and shops, residents have been encouraged to segregate waste before disposal.

Community clean-up drives are also regularly conducted at public spaces such as cremation grounds, ponds, gardens, and community buildings. The success of Bilha is credited to the dedication of sanitation workers, Swachhata Didis, municipal officials, staff, and the proactive local representatives who work with consistency and commitment.

National Recognition Based on Extensive Evaluation

There are over 2,000 urban local bodies in India with populations under 20,000. The Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, conducted a comprehensive cleanliness survey using independent agencies. The evaluation covered aspects such as door-to-door waste collection, road and night sweeping, waste disposal, toilet and park cleanliness, and public feedback — based on which Bilha earned the top position.

Dignitaries Present at the Award Ceremony

The award ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, Bilha Nagar Panchayat President Smt. Vandana Jendre, Chief Municipal Officer Mr. Praveen Singh Gehlot, Vice President Mr. Satish Sharma, PIC Member Mr. Mohan Dhoriya, Former Assistant Engineer Mr. Narendra Dubey, Sanitation Inspector Mr. Yashwant Singh, Sanitation Supervisor Mr. Rakesh Dagore, Swachhata Didi Mrs. Pooja Rathore, and PIU Representative Mr. Ankit Dubey.

Messages of Congratulations

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, congratulating the team, said:

“Bilha Nagar Panchayat has set a benchmark in cleanliness, bringing pride to all of Chhattisgarh. By achieving first place among towns with a population under 20,000, Bilha has shown that with resolve, participation, and a spirit of service, any goal can be achieved. The recognition by Prime Minister Modi in Mann Ki Baat makes this achievement truly historic.”

Deputy CM & Urban Administration Minister Arun Sao added:

“Bilha’s top rank in the Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 is a testament to the dedication, efficiency, and community involvement of our urban bodies. This achievement will inspire other municipal bodies across the state as we work together to keep Chhattisgarh among India’s leading states in cleanliness.”