NT Reporter
Panaji
In a major achievement, the Capital City of Panaji has been ranked first in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 in the category of small cities having a population of 20,000-50,000.
Also, Sankhali was conferred with the State-Level Award for being Promising Swachh Shehar, at the Swachh Survekshan Awards.
The capital city has scored the highest ranking of seven-star in garbage free city (GFC) rating and also highest rating of being a water plus city in the open defecation free (ODF) rating.
Of the total score of 12,500, Panaji has scored 11,694. In Swachh Survekshan it has got 9,254 out of 10,000; and full score of 1,300 and 1,200 in GFC and ODF. In the GFC rating, Panaji is one among the 12 cities in the country which has received seven stars. It has already achieved 100 per cent in door-to-door waste collection, 90 per cent in segregation of garbage at source, and 100 per cent in processing.
As per the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), the water plus certification provides a guideline for cities to ensure all wastewater released from households, commercial establishments etc is treated to a satisfactory level before releasing it in the environment.
On behalf of the city, the award was received from President Droupadi Murmu by Urban Development Minister Vishwajit Rane,
Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) mayor Rohit Monserrate and CCP commissioner Clen Madeira.
Rane said the recognition for Panaji is not just an award — it is a validation of the sustained efforts and transformative initiatives undertaken under the SWM. From door-to-door waste collection, to achieving garbage-free city certification, and ensuring scientific treatment of waste, the capital city has set a benchmark in urban cleanliness.
“Receiving this prestigious award is a proud moment for all of us — a reflection of our commitment to a cleaner, greener Goa,” Rane said.
He also said that Goa aims for zero-waste cities by 2027.
“Under the vision of Late Manohar Parrikar, Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) has transformed Goa’s waste landscape since 2016 with two waste-to-energy plants, 5.8L+ MT waste processed and 4.7 crore units of power generated,” Rane said, adding that from QR tracking to 100 per cent door-to-door collection, Goa aims for zero-waste cities by 2027.
“With continued central support, we march toward a cleaner, greener, energy-efficient India,” Rane said.
Sankhali was conferred with the State-Level Award for being Promising Swachh Shehar. The award was presented by Union Minister of Urban Development Manohar Lal Khattar at Vigyan Bhawan New Delhi.
The award was received by Rane in the presence of Sankhali municipal council chairperson Siddhi Porob.
