The award was presented in Delhi by President Droupadi Murmu
“Our slogan of finishing top podium in the nationwide competition turned true after years of hard work,” he said. A BMC official said, “The award ceremony was held with only the awardees in attendance. NMMC maintains cleanliness through strict enforcement of solid waste management rules, continuous cleaning of roadsides and skywalks, citizen feedback through the Swachhata app, and targeted sanitation in high-footfall public areas, said Shinde. Navi Mumbai can’t be compared with any other city as far as greenery is concerned, according to Vashi resident Charanjit Singh. Vashi resident Bhavna Bhatia said footpaths have been encroached upon in residential and commercial areas and repeated complaints to officials have received no encouraging response. She said the city is well planned but civic administration is inefficient. The civic body had taken planned steps over the past three to four years, guided by its motto, ‘Resolved, Number One’, while steadily improving its cleanliness ranking, said Shinde, adding that the award recognises Navi Mumbai’s performance under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban. The city has consistently ranked among India’s cleanest cities and retained its place in the Super Swachh League yet again, said Patil.
Shinde credited citizens, civic employees, sanitation workers and people’s representatives for the achievement. The ranking for Mumbai city was not made public. The detailed ranking list of all urban local bodies is still awaited. Activist Sudhir Dani, however, disputed the award, alleging that the city is not as clean as projected by the civic administration.
Last year, it was in the 33rd spot. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award to Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation commissioner (NMMC) Kailas Shinde, Navi Mumbai mayor Sujata Patil and deputy mayor Dashrath Bhagat in Delhi on Wednesday.