Bilha, a Nagar Panchayat in Chhattisgarh, has been awarded the top position in the Swachhata Survekshan 2024-25 among Indian towns with populations under 20,000. This significant achievement was celebrated on July 17, 2025, at a ceremony in New Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan, where President Droupadi Murmu presented the award. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised Bilha’s sanitation efforts in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio program.
With a population of about 15,000, Bilha has 28 sanitation workers who collect waste using e-rickshaws and manage waste segregation at an SLRM center. Wet waste is converted into compost, while dry waste is sold to provide financial independence to women. Ten sanitation commandos also work to maintain cleanliness. The honor was granted after an assessment conducted by independent agencies under the Ministry of Urban Development. This assessment included door-to-door waste collection, road sweeping, and cleanliness evaluations. Key officials attended the ceremony, including Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao and Nagar Panchayat representatives.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao extended their congratulations, emphasizing the importance of Bilha’s achievement for Chhattisgarh. They highlighted how this accomplishment would serve as an inspiration to other urban bodies in the state. The recognition by PM Modi in ‘Mann Ki Baat’ has given national prominence to Bilha’s success.