Jammu, Nov 11 (KNS): Jammu has secured the second rank nationally in the Swachh Himalayan City category at the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2025-26, marking a significant achievement for the city in urban sanitation and waste management.

The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu during the 10th edition of the Swachh Survekshan Awards held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The ceremony was organised under the theme “Swachhata Ki Nayi Pehel – Badhayein Haath, Karein Safai Saath,” highlighting the importance of public participation in maintaining cleanliness and improving urban sanitation.

Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) Commissioner and Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, Ayushi Sudan, along with Joint Commissioner Health and Sanitation Abdul Sattar and Health Officer Dr Shahid Hussain, received the award on behalf of the city.

According to officials, Jammu's performance in the national cleanliness assessment reflects improvements in solid waste management, door-to-door waste collection, four-stream waste segregation and measures aimed at reducing single-use plastic.

The city has also undertaken cleanliness drives and public awareness campaigns to encourage residents to participate in sanitation activities and adopt better waste disposal practices.

Officials said the Jammu Municipal Corporation, in coordination with the Housing and Urban Development Department, has been working to strengthen sanitation infrastructure and improve waste management practices across the city.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The initiatives included efforts to improve waste segregation at source, promote responsible disposal of household waste and increase public awareness about cleanliness through information, education and communication campaigns.

The municipal authorities attributed the achievement to the combined efforts of sanitation workers, municipal staff and residents who participated in cleanliness initiatives across Jammu.

The corporation dedicated the national recognition to sanitation workers and frontline safai karamcharis, acknowledging their role in maintaining public hygiene and ensuring regular sanitation services.

Officials said community participation had been an important component of the city's cleanliness initiatives, with residents encouraged to take greater responsibility for maintaining sanitation standards in their localities.

The recognition comes as urban local bodies across the country continue to face challenges related to waste generation, segregation, processing and the maintenance of public spaces.

Following the award, the Jammu Municipal Corporation said it would continue efforts to improve waste processing facilities, expand green cover and strengthen sanitation services.

The civic body also reiterated its commitment to maintaining public hygiene standards and addressing emerging challenges in urban waste management.

The second-place national ranking places Jammu among the leading cities in the Swachh Himalayan City category for the 2025-26 assessment. (KNS)