New Delhi: Maharashtra has reinforced its leadership in urban sanitation, winning ten national honours in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 awards, with Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) securing the top national rank in the 3 to 10 lakh population category.

The awards were presented by President Droupadi Murmu during a ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, in the presence of Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal, Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, and senior officials. Maharashtra’s delegation included State Minister for Urban Development Madhuri Misal, Principal Secretary Dr K.H. Govindraj, and State Mission Director Navnath Wath.

In a strong showing across population categories, Karad Municipality ranked second nationally in the 50,000 to 3 lakh bracket, while Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation clinched the “Super Swachh League City” title in the above 10 lakh category. Lonavala, Vita, Saswad, and Devlali Pravaranagar were also recognised, alongside Panchgani and Panhala in the under-20,000 group.

Pimpri-Chinchwad emerged as the state’s top-performing large city, finishing seventh nationwide and earning dual certifications as a 7-Star Garbage Free City and a Water Plus City.

Officials credited the state’s success to systematic waste segregation, mechanised waste collection, active citizen engagement, and the use of advanced technology. Mira-Bhayandar was particularly lauded for its machine-led operations and community-driven cleanliness campaigns.

The annual Swachh Survekshan, launched in 2016 under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, evaluated over 4,500 cities across ten parameters including solid waste management, environmental practices, citizen feedback, and sanitation awareness. This year’s theme centred on “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” More than 3,000 assessors visited 11 lakh premises over 45 days, with the participation of nearly 14 crore citizens.

President Murmu praised the movement’s impact on health, social progress, and women’s empowerment, urging a shift away from manual scavenging towards mechanised alternatives.

Minister Misal expressed hope that Maharashtra’s achievements would serve as a model for other states, reaffirming the state’s commitment to building cleaner, more sustainable cities.