Chhattisgarh Shines in Swachh Survekshan 2024–25: Bilaspur’s Belha crowned India's cleanest small town, Raipur named ‘promising swachh city’

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh has yet again achieved national acclamation in urban sanitation, emerging as a national leader in cleanliness under the Swachh Survekshan 2024–25. Conducted by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the annual nationwide survey saw multiple cities from the state securing top honours across diverse population categories.In a landmark feat, Belha Nagar Panchayat, located in Bilaspur district, was adjudged the cleanest city in India among towns with a population of less than 20,000. Bilaspur city itself shone brightly on the national stage, earning the second position among cities with a population between 3 to 10 lakh. In the 20,000–50,000 category, Kumhari secured an impressive third place.The awards were conferred by President Droupadi Murmu during a grand ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Representing Chhattisgarh, Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Administration Minister Arun Sao, along with mayors, chairpersons, and officials of the winning urban bodies, received the honours. Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal and Minister of State Tokhan Sahu were also present.In a new category introduced this year, the Super Sanitation League (SSL), cities that have ranked in the top three at least once over the past three years and feature among the top 20 in the current rankings were specially recognised. Chhattisgarh had three entries in this elite league: Ambikapur in the 50,000–3 lakh category, Patan and Bishrampur in the under-20,000 category.These cities were acknowledged for consistently maintaining high cleanliness standards and sustainable urban sanitation practices.Raipur Declared ‘Promising Swachh City’Adding to the accolades, Raipur, the capital city, was named “Promising Swachh City” for the state, recognising its steady progress and potential in becoming a national sanitation model.Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai lauded the achievements, “This is a moment of immense pride for Chhattisgarh. The awards reflect the joint efforts of our civic bodies, citizens, and administrative leadership. I hope this success will encourage other cities in the state to strive harder towards achieving top-tier cleanliness.” With seven urban bodies from the state bagging national-level recognition and a strong presence in newly introduced categories, Chhattisgarh has cemented its position as a front-runner in India’s cleanliness mission.