NewDelhi: Indore and Surat have been jointly declared as the cleanest cities in the country, with Navi Mumbai securing the third spot in the Swachh Survekshan 2023 competition. The results were declared today.
Out of a staggering 4,477 cities and towns that participated, these cities stood out for their commendable cleanliness efforts.
Among Ganga cities, Varanasi is the Cleanest followed by Pryag Raj.
Among states Maharashtra bagged top position, MP came second and Chhattisgarh third cleanest states in India.
Surprisingly, Uttarakhand witnessed a decline in its performance, receiving only two awards in contrast to the six it garnered last year. With 88 Urban Local Bodies (ULB) from the state participating this year, concerns have been raised about the state's sanitation metrics.
Official figures indicate a 70% door-to-door collection rate, 26% processing efficiency, and 17% source segregation. However, recent scandals in Dehradun suggest the need for a thorough reassessment of these statistics.
In the overall national ranking, Uttarakhand finds itself in the 19th position out of 27 states, raising disappointment and prompting a call for deep reflection.
The need for sustained efforts to bring about substantial changes in cleanliness practices is evident. Given Uttarakhand's status as a tourist destination, the responsibility for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene becomes even more crucial.
As the results of Swachh Survekshan 2023 unfold, the nation reflects on the accomplishments and challenges in the realm of cleanliness, emphasizing the continuous commitment required to usher in tangible improvements in sanitation practices across the country.
