Bhubaneswar: Odisha has earned national recognition for its sustained efforts towards strengthening urban cleanliness, sanitation and sustainable waste management at the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2025–26.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra and Additional Chief Secretary, H&UD Department, Usha Padhee, received the award from President Droupadi Murmu at a special ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Adding to the state’s achievements, Puri secured the first position in the Swachh Coastal Town category, Bhubaneswar was recognised as Odisha’s first State Swachh City, while Aska Municipality secured Second Rank in the category of Urban Local Bodies with a population of 20,000 to 50,000.
These achievements reflect the growing commitment of Odisha’s cities and towns towards improved sanitation standards, effective waste management and citizen-led cleanliness initiatives.
Officials said the recognition marks a major milestone in Odisha’s journey towards building cleaner, healthier and more liveable cities. It also acknowledges the collective efforts of the State government, Urban Local Bodies, sanitation workers and citizens in strengthening urban sanitation systems and fostering a culture of cleanliness, public participation and civic responsibility.
The Swachh Survekshan Awards 2025–26 mark the tenth edition of the world’s largest urban cleanliness and sanitation assessment, conducted under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban. This year’s edition, themed ‘Swachhata Ki Nayi Pehel – Badhayein Haath, Karein Safai Saath’, celebrates a decade of sustained efforts towards transforming urban sanitation through citizen participation, institutional accountability and healthy competition among cities.
The award ceremony was attended by Special Secretary-cum-Mission Director, SBM (Urban), Binaya Kumar Dash; Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor Sulochana Das; Commissioners of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation; Puri Municipal Corporation and the chairman & Executive Officer of Aska Municipality, who joined the State delegation in celebrating this significant national recognition.
The achievement reinforces Odisha’s commitment to further strengthening urban sanitation, promoting sustainable waste management practices and advancing the vision of clean, inclusive and liveable cities across the State.