How Did Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agarwal Celebrate Surat’s Second Place in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 Awards?
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Synopsis
Surat's achievement in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 Awards highlights its commitment to cleanliness and sustainability. Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agarwal emphasizes the role of citizens and innovative waste management strategies in this success. Discover how Surat aims to be a model city for India’s future.
Key Takeaways
- Surat secured the second position in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 Awards.
- The city topped the new Super Swachh League for cities over a million.
- Innovative waste management practices are essential for urban sustainability.
- Public participation is crucial for cleanliness success.
- Surat aims to be a model city for India by 2047.
Surat, July 17 (NationPress) - The city has once again solidified its reputation as one of the cleanest urban locales in India, achieving the second position in the esteemed Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 Awards.
In a significant accomplishment, Surat also took the top rank in the newly introduced "Super Swachh League"—a category for cities boasting populations exceeding one million.
The awards were presented during a grand ceremony at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, with the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, officiating. Key representatives for Surat at the event included State Health Minister Rishikesh Patel, Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agarwal, Mayor Dakshesh Mavani, and Standing Committee Chairman Rajan Patel. This achievement has instilled a sense of pride not only in the city but throughout the state of Gujarat.
In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agarwal expressed, "Today, Surat, Indore, and Navi Mumbai unite in the Super Swachh League, an elite category recognizing India's top-performing cities. It’s a moment of immense pride for us to be included in this distinguished league."
She attributed this success to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the support from Gujarat’s Chief Minister, the efforts of the Union Urban Development Ministry, the dedicated team at the Surat Municipal Corporation, and most critically, the active involvement of the citizens of Surat.
“Surat is not merely a city; it’s an economic powerhouse with a population of 8.5 million. People from all over the nation flock here for economic opportunities. In such a dynamic environment, maintaining cleanliness is challenging, yet Surat has transformed this challenge into an opportunity,” Agarwal stated.
The commissioner emphasized Surat’s innovative waste management strategies, describing them as a model for the future of urban India.
“Our teams work tirelessly, treating waste as a valuable resource. From waste segregation to converting it into useful products like biogas, construction materials, and plastic roads, we’ve embraced a circular economy model,” she explained.
She also stressed the city’s utilization of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies for real-time waste tracking, segregation, and recycling. Surat's integrated waste management system incorporates data analytics, smart sensors, and AI-driven decision-making that enhance cleanliness across the urban landscape.
“Clean cities are fundamental to a robust economy. As India aims to achieve its vision of development by 2047, initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission will be crucial,” she added.
“Turning waste into resources will not only promote sustainable living but also generate economic opportunities for millions.”
Agarwal highlighted that public involvement is paramount to Surat’s success.
“The residents of Surat see cleanliness as a shared responsibility. Their cooperation, awareness, and proactive engagement play a significant role. This award truly belongs to them,” she remarked.
As the city prepares to set new standards, the Surat Municipal Corporation intends to incorporate more advanced technologies in waste management, enhance its recycling facilities, and boost public engagement through awareness campaigns.
“Surat is on a path to becoming a model city for India 2047,” Agarwal concluded.
“Through our continuous innovations and commitment to sustainability, we aim to contribute significantly to the national mission of a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous India.”
With its remarkable advancements in cleanliness and sustainability, Surat continues to stand as a beacon of urban excellence, setting an inspiring example for cities nationwide.
Point of View
Surat's remarkable achievement in the Swachh Survekshan Awards demonstrates the effectiveness of community engagement and innovative waste management. As a national editor, I observe that Surat's model can serve as an inspiration for other cities striving for cleanliness and economic growth, aligning with India's ambitious vision for 2047.
NationPress
17/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Swachh Survekshan?
Swachh Survekshan is an annual cleanliness survey conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in India to rank cities based on their sanitation and cleanliness practices.
Who presented the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 Awards?
The awards were presented by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, at a ceremony held in New Delhi.
What is the Super Swachh League?
The Super Swachh League is a new category introduced this year for cities with a population of over one million, recognizing their exceptional cleanliness efforts.
What role do citizens play in Surat's cleanliness success?
Citizens of Surat actively participate in cleanliness initiatives, treating cleanliness as a collective responsibility, which significantly contributes to the city's success.
What future plans does Surat have for waste management?
Surat plans to introduce more advanced technologies in waste management, expand recycling infrastructure, and enhance public engagement through awareness campaigns.
