"Message of cleanliness should reach every person...": Gujarat Minister after Surat bags 2nd spot in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 awards

New Delhi [India], July 17 (ANI): Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel on Thuesday hailed the success of Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Surat in winning awards for cleanliness, with Ahmedabad securing the top spot in the cleanest big city category.
Gujarat's Surat city was recognised as India's second cleanest city at the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 awards.
Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel received the awards from President Droupadi Murmu on behalf of the state government and emphasised the importance of spreading the message of cleanliness beyond just big cities or small towns, stressing that it should reach every individual.
"This time, Ahmedabad has got the first place (in the cleanest big city category), and along with it, Gandhinagar and Surat have also won the award. It should not be limited to only big cities or small towns, but this message of cleanliness should reach every person," the Gujarat Minister told ANI.
The awards recognise the efforts of these cities in maintaining cleanliness and promoting a healthy environment for their residents.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Surat Municipal Corporation, Daxesh Kishorbhai Mavani credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel for their leadership, which made the award possible.
"Due to the hard work of all the municipal workers and leaders and under the leadership of the PM and Gujarat CM, we are doing this work. And because of that, Surat has come to the top rank in cleanliness in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25," the mayor said.
Meanwhile, Indore once again has been declared India's cleanest city, winning the top spot for the eighth year in a row in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25. Surat secured the second position, while Navi Mumbai stood third. President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards in New Delhi today.
After Surat bagged the second spot, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi said it was a victory for the people of Gujarat and thanked all sanitation workers and cleanliness ambassadors for their efforts in keeping the city clean.
Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 marks the 9th edition of the world's largest urban cleanliness survey. This landmark event unveiled the cleanest cities of urban India, recognising the tireless efforts of cities driving the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) forward.
This year, the prestigious awards were presented across 4 categories: a) Super Swachh League Cities, b) Top 3 clean cities in 5 population categories, c) Special Category: Ganga Towns, Cantonment Boards, SafaiMitra Suraksha, Mahakumbh, d) State Level Awards, Promising clean city of State/UT. A total of 78 Awards were presented this year.
Swachh Survekshan (SS), a landmark initiative under the SBM-U, has become a defining force in India's urban journey toward cleanliness, capturing hearts, shaping mindsets, and inspiring action over the past nine years.
Starting with 73 ULBs in 2016, the latest edition now encompasses 4,500+ cities. This year, the awards not only celebrate the top Swachh Shehar but also recognise and encourage small cities showing strong promise and progress. (ANI)