(Image source from: twitter: @rashtrapatibhvn)

The President of India,Ram Nath Kovind, presented the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2019, an initiative of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, at a function held in New Delhi today.

Speaking at the Event, the President said that India has made remarkable progress towards achieving the goals of rural and urban sanitation.  Today, a city or village is identified by its emphasis on cleanliness. This is an important change. By winning the first prize in all the four surveys so far, Indore has set an example for other urban centres.

He said, Mahatma Gandhi had played a pivotal role in spearheading the movement of cleanliness. The President expressed confidence that people will take inspiration from just concluded Kumbh Mela and the level of cleanliness in it.

He said that cleanliness should be integral to the behaviour of every citizen to make it effective and sustainable. Many people pay attention to personal hygiene but remain apathetic to public and community cleanliness. Change in this mentality is important for achieving the goals of Swachh Bharat.

He urged educational institutions to include cleanliness in their curriculum and spread awareness about the importance of sanitation.

Congratulating Indore Union Housing Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, “Absolutely Brilliant! Indore is India’s Cleanest City for 3rd year running. My heartiest congratulations to the Swachhagrahis of Indore for their unmatched dedication & participation in transforming Swachh Bharat into a Jan Andolan.

Other Categories-

Bhopal is India’s cleanest capital/UT city

Ahmedabad is India’s cleanest big city (>10 lakhs)

Ujjain is India’s cleanest medium city (population 3-10 lakh).

New Delhi Municipal Council area was given the ‘Cleanest Small City’ award

Delhi Cantt. is India’s cleanest cantonment area.

Uttarakhand’s Gauchar adjudged as India's Best Ganga Town

Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand & Maharashtra for emerging as India's Top 3 Best Performing States in Swachh Abhiyan

-Sai Kumar