Vijayawada third cleanest city in India

Vijayawada: Vijayawada was adjudged India's third cleanest city under the Swachh Survekshan 2021 ranking. The Union ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs organised the Swachh Amrit Mahotsav on Saturday at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi announcing the results of Swachh Survekshan 2021, Safaimitra Suraksha challenge, Star Rating of Garbage Free Cities and ODF Certifications.

Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) commissioner V. Prasanna Venkatesh, Mayor Rayana Bhagyalakshmi amd VMC Chief Medical Officer of Health G. Geetha Bai received the award from President Ram Nath Kovind during the programme.

Tirupati was among the 10 top-ranked cleanest cities, having a population of more than one lakh.

VMC commissioner Venkatesh said that Vijayawada was also declared as Garbage Free City with 5-star rating. Among all cities in AP, Vijayawada was the only city that got 5 Star Rating. This award was received by Mayor Rayana Bhagyalakshmi, Additional Commissioner (Projects) U. Sarada Devi, and VMC Chief Engineer M. Prakhakara Rao, from Minister for Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, New Delhi.

Visakhapatnam retained its old three-star rating in the Garbage Free Cities (GFC) category based on citizens' feedback in the country.

Vijayawada was further declared as a Water Plus City among 9 cities in India. It was conferred with the Prerak Dauur Samman Award in Gold (Anupam) category for segregation of waste into wet, dry and hazardous categories.

VMC commissioner Prasanna Venkatesh congratulated all Public Health Workers, ward sanitation secretaries, sanitary inspectors, supervisors, health officers and other officers and staff involved in the task. He said it was really a proud moment for Vijayawada and that there was no doubt it was the result of team work of VMC personnel. He thanked the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, for extending their support to achieve the status and expressed his special thanks to the Chief Minister for giving continuous guidance and support in this regard. The commissioner congratulated citizens of Vijayawada for their sensible attitude and humble cooperation

Meanwhile, the GVMC was trying to secure the 7-star rating in GFC. It would have meant the city was completely free from waste in public places and the drainage water was scientifically treated at a sewerage plant. Sometimes, the treated water could also be used for general purposes like watering plants on the road, parks, etc.

"We will study the reasons behind the poor ranking in the GFC and work to secure the 7-star rating next year," a senior GVMC official said.

GVMC Mayor Venkata Hari Kumari, commissioner Lakshmisha and chief medical officer K.S.L.G. Sastry received the certificate.

Vizag got the 9th rank under the Best City in citizen feedback survey. Nearly 5.8 lakh people across the globe sent feedback online and their opinions on the city and its facilities.