VISAKHAPATNAM: With three cities in top 10, state dominates Swachh Survekshan-2023 awards

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh won significant accolades at the Swachh Survekshan-2023 awards, with three cities making it to the top 10. Visakhapatnam secured fourth rank in the cleanliness survey, while Vijayawada and Tirupati stood sixth and eighth respectively. Union Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Secretary Manoj Joshi presented the awards during a function held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Thursday.

In the ‘Fast Moving City’ category with a population of more than one lakh, Guntur Municipal Corporation secured the second position with a five-star rating at the national level. Pulivendula won the title of ‘State Best Performer’ in Kadapa. Describing the achievement as unique, Minister of State for Municipal Administration and Urban Development A Suresh pointed out that no other state in the country has secured three positions in the top ten at the national level. ,

With 8,879.25 points out of 9,500 points under the categories mentioned by Swachh Bharat Mission, Vizag excelled in Service Level Progression with 4,830 points, Certification with 2,500 points and Citizen Voice with 2,170 points.

Vijayawada scored 8,751 out of 9,500 in the Swachh Survekshan awards, leaving behind cities like Indore, Surat, Navi Mumbai, Visakhapatnam and Bhopal. It excelled in waste separation and management. In the certification category, the city earned a 5-star rating as a garbage-free city, ODF+ certification, and ODF++ certification for open defecation-free status and perfect management of public toilets.

Vizag Mayor Golagani Hari Venkata Kumari and Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner CM Saikanth Verma credited the achievement to the citizens of Vizag and thanked public representatives, film and sports personalities, cleanliness ambassadors, resident welfare associations, voluntary organizations and departments. Gave thanks to. Public health, engineering and town planning, as well as sanitation workers for their continuous efforts. Vijayawada Mayor Rayana Bhagyalakshmi said that citizens, sanitation workers, officials and employees were important contributors to this achievement.