JAMMU: In a moment of pride for every resident of Jammu, the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has achieved a significant milestone in cleanliness and sanitation by winning the Promising Swachh Sheher Award, earning the prestigious Garbage Free City (GFC) 3-Star Rating, securing ODF++ certification, and ranking 42nd among the top 100 cities in India (3-10 lakh population category) in the Swachh Survekshan 2024, conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India.

These achievements were announced during the Swachh Survekshan Award Ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, where the awards were presented by Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, in the presence of senior dignitaries including Minister of State (MoHUA) Tokun Sahu, Secretary MoHUA Srinivas R. Katikithala, and Joint Secretary MoHUA Roopa Mishra.

On behalf of JMC, the award was received by Dr. Devansh Yadav, Mission Director, SBM (J&K), Abdul Star, Joint Commissioner (Health & Sanitation), and Dr. Vinod Sharma, Health Officer, JMC.

JMC has made remarkable progress by improving its rank from 248 in 2023 to 42 in 2024, which reflects the dedication of the corporation, the hard work of sanitation workers, and above all, the cooperation of the people of Jammu.

Across Jammu & Kashmir, other urban local bodies also performed well. Srinagar Municipal Corporation secured 32nd rank in the Million Plus Cities category, Beerwah Municipal Committee earned a 1-Star Rating in the Small Cities category, and all other Urban Local Bodies in J&K were awarded ODF+ certification, highlighting improved sanitation and open defecation-free status.

This success has been made possible by sustained efforts of the Housing & Urban Development Department (HUDD), J&K, and JMC, which focused on regular door-to-door garbage collection and scientific disposal of waste, establishment of Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in all urban local bodies, scientific bioremediation of legacy waste at dumpsites, and development of Construction and Demolition Waste Processing Plants that will soon become operational in both Jammu and Srinagar. Special attention has also been given to the maintenance and cleanliness of public and community toilets, and new aspirational toilets are being constructed to make sanitation more accessible and hygienic.

While these awards bring honour to the city, maintaining and improving cleanliness is a shared responsibility. Citizens are urged to segregate their waste at home, cooperate with sanitation workers and follow collection schedules, avoid littering in public places, use public and community toilets responsibly, and actively participate in cleanliness and plantation campaigns.

This recognition is proof that when citizens and the administration work together, even the most ambitious goals can be achieved. Everyone is encouraged to take this achievement as inspiration to make Jammu a model clean and green city of India. Together, we can build a city we are all proud to call our home.