Odisha has made a remarkable mark in the Swachh Survekshan 2024, with several cities from the state earning national recognition for cleanliness and sanitation.

Bhubaneswar, the capital city, secured the 9th position among India’s cleanest cities, reaffirming its status as a leading urban center in hygiene and solid waste management. The city was felicitated under the “Promising Swachh Shehar” category during the national awards ceremony held in New Delhi.

A standout performer this year was Rourkela, which made an extraordinary leap from Rank 119 to 15. The city’s transformation was driven by focused waste management initiatives, improved public sanitation, and active citizen involvement in cleanliness efforts.

In the small-town categories, two towns from Odisha i.e  Aska and Chikitiearned praise for their achievements.

Aska was recognized in the 25,000–50,000 population category for its consistent efforts in maintaining urban cleanliness.

Chikiti, in the under-25,000 category, was honored for sustained solid waste management practices and improved public hygiene infrastructure.

These achievements reflect Odisha’s growing dedication to the Swachh Bharat Mission, showcasing progress across cities large and small. The collective success is attributed to effective collaboration between urban local bodies, community participation, and strong municipal leadership—a model for other states aiming for cleaner, healthier cities.