Odisha Shines at Swachh Survekshan Awards; Puri Named India’s Cleanest Coastal Town
New Delhi: Odisha has earned national recognition for its remarkable achievements in urban cleanliness and sanitation at the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2025-26, with several of its cities and urban local bodies securing top honours.
The awards were presented by President Droupadi Murmu at a prestigious ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
Representing the state, Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, and Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, received the awards on behalf of Odisha.
Among the state’s biggest achievements, Puri was ranked as India’s cleanest coastal town, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable sanitation and effective waste management practices.
Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar earned recognition as Odisha’s first State Swachh City, highlighting the capital city’s consistent efforts in urban cleanliness, citizen participation and modern waste management systems.
Adding to the state’s success story, Aska Municipality secured the second position nationally in the category of towns with a population between 20,000 and 50,000.
The latest edition marks the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Survekshan initiative, widely regarded as the world’s largest urban sanitation survey.
This year’s theme, “Swachhata Ki Nayi Pehel – Badhayein Haath, Karein Safai Saath,” focused on strengthening public participation and collective action towards cleaner cities.
State officials credited the achievement to the coordinated efforts of urban local bodies, sanitation workers, government departments and citizens.
The recognition is expected to further boost Odisha’s initiatives in waste processing, zero-waste infrastructure and sustainable urban development.
The awards underscore Odisha’s growing position as a national leader in urban sanitation and reinforce its commitment to building cleaner, healthier and more sustainable cities for the future.
