Chhattisgarh’s Bilha Nagar Panchayat has made the state proud by clinching the top spot in the Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 under the category of cities with populations below 20,000.
The recognition was conferred at a national award ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on July 17, where President of India Droupadi Murmu presented the award.
The achievement gained further national prominence when Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Bilha's efforts in the 124th episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, particularly highlighting the role of local women in transforming the city’s waste management system.
“Women of Bilha were trained in waste management and they came together to completely transform the face of the town,” the Prime Minister stated, calling the feat a matter of pride not only for Chhattisgarh but for the entire country. He commended how the people of Bilha had embraced cleanliness as a people’s movement rather than just a government initiative.
With a population of around 15,000, Bilha Nagar Panchayat has emerged as a model of community-driven cleanliness. The town has deployed 28 ‘Swachhata Didis’ for door-to-door waste collection across 15 wards, utilising e-rickshaws for transportation. Collected waste is taken to an SLRM Centre, where wet and dry waste is meticulously segregated. While compost is prepared from organic waste, dry waste is sold, contributing to the economic independence of the women involved.
Additionally, 10 Swachhata Commandos have been tasked with maintaining hygiene across the city through the use of tractors and auto-tippers. Awareness campaigns, public announcements, and proactive waste collection from households and businesses have played a critical role in cultivating responsible waste disposal habits among citizens. Cleanliness drives are regularly organised at muktidhams, ponds, gardens, and community halls.
The rankings were based on cleanliness surveys conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India. Over 2,000 urban local bodies with populations under 20,000 were assessed on parameters including door-to-door collection, road sweeping, sanitation in public places, and citizen feedback.
The award ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, Bilha Nagar Panchayat President Vandana Jendre, Chief Municipal Officer Praveen Singh Gehlot, and several other officials and sanitation workers who played a vital role in this accomplishment.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, reacting to the national honour, said: “Bilha Nagar Panchayat has set a new benchmark in the field of cleanliness – a moment of pride for the entire Chhattisgarh. By securing the first rank among all towns with less than 20,000 population, Bilha has not only brought glory to the state but also proved that with resolve, public participation, and a spirit of service, any goal is achievable.”
The Chief Minister also joined citizens at his official residence in Raipur to listen to the Prime Minister’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast. Reflecting on the Prime Minister’s mention of Bilha, he added, “The women of Bilha have proved that when determination and cooperation come together, no transformation is impossible. This success story in cleanliness has brought national recognition to Chhattisgarh. With their resolve, these women have helped make Bilha one of the cleanest towns in the country.”
He further said, “Mann Ki Baat is not just a platform of communication, but a powerful national forum that brings forth stories of innovation, public initiatives, and inspiration from across the country, filling citizens with fresh energy and motivation.”
Deputy CM Arun Sao also praised the achievement, stating, “Bilha Nagar Panchayat’s top rank in Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 has enhanced Chhattisgarh’s reputation across the nation. This success reflects the dedication, strategy, and public engagement of our urban local bodies. It will serve as an inspiration for other municipalities in the state.”
Highlighting the growing impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission in Chhattisgarh, CM Sai revealed that seven urban bodies, including Bilha, have received national honours this year. He congratulated elected representatives, sanitation officials, and workers for their tireless efforts.
During a recent visit to Jashpur, the Chief Minister said he was pleased to learn that all five urban local bodies in the district had significantly improved their cleanliness rankings. “In appreciation of this performance, I personally felicitated the sanitation workers and Swachhta Didis two days ago in Jashpur,” he shared.
He noted that a positive environment has been created across Chhattisgarh regarding cleanliness, driven by committed implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission. Concluding his statement, CM Sai said: “‘Mann Ki Baat’ has today become a national movement that transforms ordinary stories from every corner of the country into extraordinary sources of inspiration. It is a living testimony to the vibrancy of Indian democracy.”
