Hyderabad on a roll

■ Hyderabad secures 6th rank nationwide

■ Receives 7-star rating and Water+ certificate

■ Awarded under "Waste-Free City" category

Greater Hyderabad has been declared the cleanest city in Telangana in the Swachh Survekshan 2024 survey, earning national recognition for its solid waste management and sanitation efforts. The award was presented by Union Minister Manohar Lal at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, on Thursday. It was received by Urban Development Secretary Dr. K. Elambahari and GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan.

Hyderabad ranked 6th nationally among cities with a population of over 10 lakh in the "Waste-Free City" category and was awarded a prestigious 7-star rating. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) also earned a Water+ certification under the Open Defecation Free (ODF) category. In 2023, the city had placed 9th with a 5-star rating.

The achievement reflects the collective efforts of sanitation teams, civic staff, and public participation in maintaining cleanliness. Following the announcement, GHMC Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi and Deputy Mayor Mothe Srilatha congratulated the civic body and sanitation workers. “This award increases our responsibility. With renewed energy, we aim to make Hyderabad a national model for cleanliness and greenery,” they said.

Key GHMC officials, including Sanitation AC Raghu Prasad, SE Koteshwara Rao, EE Srinivas Reddy, ASBM Yashashree Reddy, Supervisor Sudarshan, and Sanitation Officer Urmila, also attended the award ceremony.