Swachh Survekshan 2024-25: Pimpri-Chinchwad adjudged cleanest city in Maharashtra, admn credits it to teamwork

At the award ceremony held in New Delhi Thursday, the award was received by Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh, Chief Engineer Sanjay Kulkarni, and Deputy commissioner Sachin Pawar from Union Minister for Urban Development Manohar Lal Khattar and Minister of State Tokhan Sahu.

Also present on the occasion were Secretary Shrinivas Katikithala, Secretary Rupa Mishra, PCMC Executive Engineer Harvinder Singh Bansal, Health Executive Officer Ganesh Deshpande, and other officials.

The Swachh Survekshan survey, now in its ninth edition, covered over 4,500 cities and saw active participation by more than 14 crore citizens.

Reacting to the honour received by the city, Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh said, “I sincerely congratulate every citizen, sanitation worker, official, and civil society group for this collective achievement. This recognition is proof of Pimpri-Chinchwad’s sustained and inclusive efforts. Our responsibility has now increased, and we will continue to launch more sustainable initiatives in the times ahead.”

“This marks a notable improvement for Pimpri Chinchwad, which ranked 13th nationally and third in the state in last year’s assessment,” the PCMC chief said.

Speaking to The Indian Express from New Delhi, Singh said, “Pimpri-Chinchwad was among the 45 cities in million plus population category. Of the 45 cities from across the nation, 10 cities with million plus population were from Maharashtra. Of the 45 cities, nationally we have secured 7th rank and in Maharashtra we are right on top.”

Singh said, “Pimpri-Chinchwad is doing well year on year. We are focussing citizens participation…PCMC has the potential to be absolutely number one. We will keep striving hard to reach number one and on the way provide a cleaner city for citizens, ranking is just one part of it.”

One of the key highlights of the PCMC’s achievement is its retention of the seven-star garbage-free city status under the Government of India’s certification framework. The city has implemented scientific solid waste processing at the source and decentralised waste treatment across all wards. Door-to-door segregated collection, composting units, recycling plants, and biogas facilities have contributed to this milestone, officials said.

The city has also once again earned the water-plus certification, reflecting its 100 per cent compliance with wastewater management, including the treatment and reuse of sewage water, protection of natural water bodies, and maintaining open defecation-free zones.

‘Next focus on zero waste’

The civic administration said its next focus would be on zero-waste policies. Additional Commissioner Vijaykumar Khorate said, “The award is a proud moment for the city. Our next focus will be on zero waste policies, sustainable sanitation, water reuse, and building an environmentally responsible urban ecosystem.”

Deputy Commissioner (Health) Sachin Pawar added, “This recognition is the result of relentless teamwork by the health department and support from citizens. We are determined to work even harder and aim to bring Pimpri Chinchwad to the top national position in the next survey.”

The 2024-25 survey placed a strong emphasis on themes like “reduce, reuse, recycle” and encouraged the use of digital tools for real-time monitoring and public feedback. Assessments were based on 10 parameters and 54 indicators covering cleanliness, waste processing, public toilet maintenance, water treatment, citizen outreach, and innovation, officials said.

The PCMC administration credited this achievement to the active role played by residents, schools, NGOs, housing societies, and industries that contributed through consistent waste segregation, reduced plastic use, and promotion of public hygiene.

Citizens from different fields of life hailed the honour received by the PCMC though some said the civic administration needs to go full hog to ensure the city remains clean all the time.

“As a citizen of Pimpri-Chinchwad, I feel extremely proud. This success can be attributed to proper planning, honest contribution by civic staff and the positive participation by citizens, educational institutions and various organisations,” said Rahul Kalate, former corporator.

Seema Sawale, former chairperson of PCMC standing committee, said, “Though Pimpri-Chinchwad has a lot to achieve on the cleanliness front, it is good hear that we are better than other cities in the state.”

Prof Kiran Khajekar, an activist, said, “Pimpri-Chinchwad is any day a far better city than any other cities of Maharashtra. Whichever way you consider, be it roads, water, pollution level, jobs and now cleanliness, Pimpri-Chinchwad remains right upfront. The latest honours proves PCMC’s mettle.”