Uttar Pradesh Urban Development Minister A K Sharma, Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari and Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal received the honour
Varanasi: Varanasi has secured third position in the ‘Best Riverfront Town’ category under the Swachh Survekshan 2025-26, conducted by Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Varanasi had earlier received the Best Ganga Town Award under Swachh Survekshan 2024-25. The officials said that Varanasi performed well due to round-the-clock cleaning of more than 84 ghats, tapping of drains to prevent untreated wastewater from entering Ganga, use of trash skimmer machines to remove floating waste and separate collection of flowers and worship material for compost and incense production.
Municipal officials said the survey covered cities located along the rivers across the country. The mayor said the achievement was a proud moment for every resident of Varanasi. Municipal commissioner Himanshu Nagpal said maintaining the cleanliness and sanctity of Ganga ghats remains a priority for the municipal corporation. He said the city would continue to improve cleanliness standards through technology and public participation.
Uttar Pradesh Urban Development minister AK Sharma, mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari and municipal commissioner Himanshu Nagpal received the honour. Additional municipal commissioner Durgesh Mishra was also present. Varanasi was recognised for cleanliness along Ganga ghats, improved sewage treatment systems and better riverfront management. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi ’s vision, chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s guidance, sanitation workers and citizens for the success.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the award at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Wednesday.