Ahmedabad’s Astonishing Ascent: From 15th to Cleanest City!

Ahmedabad, Gujarat – In a monumental triumph for urban sanitation and a testament to sustained civic efforts, the Central Government on Thursday announced the Swachhta Sarvekshan 2024 Awards, with Ahmedabad, Gujarat, dramatically securing the title of the cleanest city in the category of over 10 lakh population. This remarkable achievement marks a significant leap for Ahmedabad, which was ranked a modest 15th just a decade ago in 2015, showcasing an inspiring journey towards impeccable urban hygiene.

The prestigious award ceremony, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi on Thursday, was a moment of immense pride for Gujarat, as the state celebrated multiple accolades. While Ahmedabad clinched the top spot in its population category, the national overall cleanliness awards saw Indore once again emerge as the cleanest city in the country, with Surat securing a commendable second place.

“This is not just an award; it’s a validation of the collective spirit of Ahmedabad,” beamed a jubilant civic official, speaking from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation office where BJP corporators and leaders gathered to witness the live broadcast of the ceremony. “From 15th to number one, it’s a journey fueled by dedicated public servants and, crucially, the growing awareness and cooperation of our citizens.”

Gujarat’s strong performance was further highlighted by the inclusion of three of its cities – Ahmedabad, Surat, and Gandhinagar – in the coveted Swachhta Sarvekshan Awards. Surat and Gandhinagar were recognized in the highly competitive ‘Super Swachh League’, underscoring the state’s comprehensive approach to cleanliness. Gujarat’s Health Minister, Hrishikesh Patel, along with the Mayor and other office bearers, proudly received Surat’s second-place award from the hands of the President.

The improvement extends beyond the top performers. Rajkot, another significant city in Gujarat, demonstrated a notable upward trajectory in its cleanliness ranking, moving from 29th to an impressive 19th position. This significant jump is attributed to enhanced focus on efficient garbage collection and rigorous cleaning initiatives.

“We have seen a tangible improvement in our sanitation infrastructure and practices,” stated a confident Municipal Commissioner from Rajkot. “The dedication of our sanitation workers combined with smarter waste management strategies has paid off. While we are proud of this progress, we believe that with even greater public participation, we can aim for a top 10 spot next year. The cooperation of every citizen is paramount to achieving that goal.”

The Swachhta Sarvekshan awards serve as a powerful motivator for cities across India, fostering healthy competition and driving continuous improvement in urban cleanliness and sanitation.