The cities of Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, Tirupati, and Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry) were recognised for their outstanding performance in cleanliness, waste management, and citizen engagement under the Swachh Bharat Mission

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh has achieved a significant milestone in urban sanitation and cleanliness, with five major cities from the state being honoured in the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2025, announced by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

The cities of Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, Tirupati, and Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry) were recognised for their outstanding performance in cleanliness, waste management, and citizen engagement under the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Visakhapatnam received the prestigious ‘Special Category Ministerial Award’, standing out as the top-ranked city from Andhra Pradesh. Vijayawada, Guntur, and Tirupati were selected in the ‘Swachh Super League Cities’ category, highlighting their consistent efforts in maintaining urban hygiene and sanitation standards. Rajahmundry earned the State-Level Ministerial Award, acknowledging its significant improvements in urban cleanliness and public participation.

The Swachh Survekshan survey evaluates cities based on a range of indicators, including cleanliness of public spaces, solid waste management, citizen feedback, and implementation of sustainable sanitation practices. All five Andhra cities demonstrated excellence across these metrics, with Visakhapatnam emerging as the best-performing city in the state.

Officials noted that the cities showed innovative use of technology, strengthened municipal systems, and drove community participation to improve urban living standards. “These awards reflect the collective efforts of local bodies, sanitation workers, and citizens who have worked relentlessly to make their cities cleaner and more livable,” said K. Dhyanchand, Municipal Commissioner Vijayawada.