Bhubaneswar, Nov 11: Odisha has earned national recognition for its sustained efforts towards strengthening urban cleanliness, sanitation and sustainable waste management at the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2025–26.

Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra and Additional Chief Secretary, H&UD Department, Usha Padhee, received the award from President Droupadi Murmu at a special ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, today.

Adding to the state’s achievements, Puri secured the first position in the Swachh Coastal Town category, Bhubaneswar was recognised as Odisha’s First State Swachh City, while Aska Municipality secured the second rank in the category of Urban Local Bodies with a population of 20,000 to 50,000.

These achievements reflect the growing commitment of Odisha’s cities and towns towards improved sanitation standards, effective waste management and citizen-led cleanliness initiatives.

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The Swachh Survekshan Awards 2025–26 mark the tenth edition of the world’s largest urban cleanliness and sanitation assessment, conducted under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban. This year's edition, themed ‘Swachhata Ki Nayi Pehel – Badhayein Haath, Karein Safai Saath’, celebrates a decade of sustained efforts towards transforming urban sanitation through citizen participation, institutional accountability and healthy competition among cities.

The award ceremony was attended by Special Secretary-cum-Mission Director, SBM (Urban), Binaya Kumar Dash; Mayor, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Sulochana Das; Commissioner, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation;  Puri Municipal Corpiration and the chairman & Executive Officer of Aska Municipality, who joined the State delegation in celebrating this significant national recognition.