Uttar Pradesh has made remarkable strides in the Swachh Survekshan 2024–25, securing multiple national-level accolades for its achievements in urban cleanliness under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The state has emerged as a frontrunner in India’s cleanliness drive, with six of its cities ranking among the top ten cleanest in the country, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable urban sanitation.
In a grand felicitation ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards, recognising the contributions of cities and municipal bodies across various categories. State Urban Development Minister A.K. Sharma received the awards on behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government.
Lucknow, the state capital, emerged as a significant winner, earning the third position nationally among cities with a population exceeding 10 lakh. It also created history by becoming the first city in Uttar Pradesh to receive a 7-star Garbage Free City (GFC) rating, for which it was conferred the Presidential Award. This achievement highlights the city’s commitment to comprehensive waste management, public participation, and innovation in urban sanitation.
Prayagraj was declared the Cleanest Ganga City in recognition of its continued efforts to maintain cleanliness around the riverbanks, especially during large-scale events like the Mahakumbh. The city was further awarded for Swachh Mahakumbh 2025, acknowledging the government’s forward-looking approach to sustainable sanitation during religious gatherings.
Gorakhpur recorded a dual success, ranking third in the Safai Mitra Surakshit Sheher category, which emphasises sanitation worker safety, and fourth among cities with a population between 3 and 10 lakh. It also received a 5-star GFC certification, validating its solid waste management practices and inclusive sanitation model.
Agra, another major city of Uttar Pradesh, was recognised as the Emerging Clean City, achieving a commendable 32nd rank at the national level and earning a 5-star GFC rating. These accolades mark Agra’s rapid progress in urban hygiene, showcasing its dedication to achieving long-term sustainability in waste processing and public hygiene.
Other high-performing cities include Moradabad, which secured 10th position in the 3–10 lakh population category. In the medium town category, Nagar Palika Parishad Bijnor and Shamshabad ranked 29th and 95th, respectively, underscoring the state’s holistic focus across cities of all sizes.
The state also received the Swachh Mahakumbh 2025 Award, which lauded the government’s blend of cultural tradition with modern sanitation systems. The initiative has demonstrated how effective planning and community participation can ensure cleanliness at mass religious gatherings.
Urban Development Minister A.K. Sharma credited the achievements to the collective efforts of the people, local bodies, and government departments, highlighting the role of citizen engagement and rigorous supervision. He reiterated the government’s commitment to making Uttar Pradesh the cleanest state in India.
The Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department emphasised that the high rankings and GFC certifications are the result of focused monitoring, capacity-building, and targeted interventions. As the state continues its transformation in urban sanitation, these recognitions affirm Uttar Pradesh’s leadership in building clean, livable cities.
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