Chhattisgarh shines nationally as Bilha named cleanest city among towns under 20,000 population

Chhattisgarh has reaffirmed its position as one of India’s cleanest states, with seven of its urban local bodies earning top honours in the Swachh Survekshan 2024–25. Conducted by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the survey has spotlighted the state’s impressive strides in sanitation and urban cleanliness.

Among the notable achievements, Bilha Nagar Panchayat was declared the cleanest city in India in the category of towns with a population below 20,000. Bilaspur made its mark as the second-cleanest city in the 3–10 lakh population category, while Kumhari ranked third nationally among towns with a population between 20,000 and 50,000.

The awards were presented at a national ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, by President Droupadi Murmu. Representing Chhattisgarh, Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Administration Minister Arun Sao, along with mayors, chairpersons, and officials from the award-winning local bodies, received the prestigious accolades. Union Housing & Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal and Minister of State Tokhan Sahu were also present at the event.

Beyond individual city rankings, Chhattisgarh gained recognition in the newly launched Super Sanitation League (SSL), which celebrates cities consistently performing well in cleanliness metrics. Ambikapur stood out in the 50,000 to 3 lakh population segment, while Patan and Bishrampur earned accolades in the under-20,000 population group — all having previously ranked in the top 3 nationally at least once in the past three years and maintaining their place in the top 20 this year.

Adding to the state’s recognition, Raipur, the capital city, was declared Chhattisgarh’s “Promising Swachh City” — a title that acknowledges sustained efforts and its potential as a future sanitation leader.

Congratulating the winners, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said, “These achievements reflect the collective commitment of citizens, civic bodies, and the administration towards cleanliness. Such recognition will inspire other towns and cities in Chhattisgarh to aim higher in their pursuit of becoming clean, beautiful urban spaces.”

Deputy CM Arun Sao, who also holds the Urban Administration portfolio, applauded the awardees and reiterated the government’s commitment to sanitation goals. “This is not just a matter of honour for Chhattisgarh but a testament to our sustained efforts toward sanitation,” he said. “From local urban governments to the state and central leadership, all stakeholders are relentlessly working towards creating cleaner, smarter, and more livable cities through continuous innovation.”

Chhattisgarh’s stellar performance in the Swachh Survekshan once again reflects the synergy between citizens, officials, and leadership, setting a strong example for urban cleanliness and governance across the country.