No Shortage of Funds for Bilha’s Development: Deputy CM Shri Arun Sao

Deputy CM Honors Sanitation Didis and Workers Who Made Bilha the Cleanest Town in India
Public Takes Cleanliness Pledge at the Event

Raipur, Aug 25 : Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao honored the Swachhata Didis (sanitation women workers) and cleaning staff who played a key role in making Bilha the cleanest town in India among cities with a population under 20,000. At a felicitation ceremony held at Kanya Bhawan in Bilha, he honored 28 Swachhata Didis, 20 sanitation workers, and 10 cleanliness commandos.

Notably, Bilha secured the top rank in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25, conducted by the Government of India, in the category of towns with a population under 20,000. The event was attended by Bilha MLA Shri Dharamlal Kaushik and CREDA Chairman Shri Bhupendra Savanni.

Swachhata Workers Honored for National Recognition

Deputy CM Arun Sao stated, “Thanks to you, Chhattisgarh has earned national prestige. Being ranked first in cleanliness is a matter of pride for all of us, and we must now work to maintain this achievement. Every resident of Bilha must pledge their commitment to cleanliness.” He administered a cleanliness oath to everyone present at the program.

Shri Sao emphasized that under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, cleanliness has become a nationwide movement. Cleanliness is a part of our culture and nature, he said, and keeping our town clean is as important as keeping our homes clean.

He informed the audience that in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Chhattisgarh received national recognition for its excellent performance in cleanliness. Out of the 169 cities from the state that participated, 115 improved their rankings. The contributions of Swachhata Didis and sanitation workers were instrumental in this success.

Development Funds for Bilha Will Not Be a Problem

Deputy CM Sao assured the public that there will be no shortage of funds for Bilha’s development. “As soon as proposals are received, funds will be approved the next day,” he announced. He called on public representatives, officials, and residents to continue working together to keep Bilha clean and beautiful.

Bilha’s Historic Achievement

MLA Shri Dharamlal Kaushik said, “Bilha’s name is now written in the pages of history. To be ranked first nationwide is a proud moment for all of us. Prime Minister Modi had called from the ramparts of the Red Fort for a nationwide cleanliness drive, and today it has become a true people’s movement. Even children are now aware and involved.”

CREDA Chairman Shri Bhupendra Savanni remarked that this success was possible only because of the dedicated efforts of the Swachhata Didis and sanitation workers. “Cleanliness is a service and a commitment, which our workers are fulfilling wholeheartedly,” he said.

Bilha Nagar Panchayat President Smt. Vandana Jendre praised the dedication and spirit of the Swachhata Didis, stating that their hard work has put Bilha on the map across India. Others present included Nagar Panchayat Vice President Shri Satish Sharma, CMO Shri Praveen Gehlot, and Janpad Panchayat President Shri Ram Kumar Kaushik, along with a large number of residents, sanitation workers, and commandos.

Daily Waste Collection by 28 Swachhata Didis

Bilha Nagar Panchayat, with a population of approximately 15,000, has 28 Swachhata Didis who go door-to-door collecting waste in e-rickshaws across the 15 wards. The collected waste is taken to the SRLM Center, where it is segregated into wet and dry waste. Wet waste is converted into compost, while dry waste is sold, enabling these women to become economically self-reliant.

Additionally, 10 special Swachhata Commandos operate throughout the town using tractors and auto-tippers for waste collection and public awareness campaigns.