New Delhi/IBNS: Madhya Pradesh's Indore and Gujarat's Surat have been declared jointly as the cleanest cities of India in the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023.

Navi Mumbai has been declared as the third cleanest city. The city in the state of Maharashtra had also secured the third place last year.

Varanasi and Prayagraj won the top two awards amongst the Cleanest Ganga Towns. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh won the top three awards for Best Performing State. 

Chandigarh walked away with the award for the Best Safaimitra Surakshit Sheher. 110 awards were bestowed during the ceremony.

Speaking at the event, the President said, "When everyone contributes to and participates in Swachh Survekshan, it’s an important step forward."

Praising the States and ULBs for their performance in Swachh Survekshan, she said, "The theme for the year 2023 'Waste to Wealth' is an important topic to ponder upon. I would like to say that wealth should be created out of waste as that will help the overall cleanliness.

"Cleanliness has to be a divine process. The G20 Leaders’ Delhi Declaration has committed to enhance environmentally sound waste management and substantially reduce waste generation by 2030 and highlight the importance of zero waste initiatives."

Speaking at the occasion, Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri said, "Today every city in India is ODF. This became possible because SBM went from a govt programme to becoming a Jan Andolan. The mission is a testimony to the vision of Antodaya se Sarvodaya."