President Droupadi Murmu Presents Swachh Survekshan Awards Highlights Circular Economy

New Delhi: President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the Swachh Survekshan Awards at a ceremony organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in the national capital. The event celebrated cities and urban bodies for their efforts under the Swachh Bharat Mission. The 2024 survey was noted as the world's largest cleanliness assessment, involving state governments, local bodies, and nearly 14 crore citizens.

 

 

In her address, President Murmu praised the Swachh Survekshan initiative as a model for measuring and motivating cleanliness efforts across urban India. She highlighted that cleanliness has always been a part of Indian culture and spirituality, drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi's belief that “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” Recalling her public service journey, the President shared how she once supervised sanitation efforts as Vice President of a Notified Area Council.

 

The President emphasized the need to minimize waste by reducing, reusing, and recycling; these principles are central to both the circular economy and India’s traditional lifestyles. She pointed to tribal communities as examples, noting their minimal resource use and harmonious coexistence with nature. She believes that integrating such sustainable practices can significantly improve modern circular systems.

 

She also stressed the importance of source segregation in waste management, stating it is the foundation of effective waste processing. Applauding the rise of zero-waste colonies and the introduction of School Level Assessment programs, she emphasized the need to instill cleanliness as a core value in the younger generation.

 

 

Addressing challenges posed by plastic and e-waste pollution, the President called for strict implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines issued by the government in 2022. She urged all stakeholders—including producers, brand owners, and importers—to take responsibility in tackling plastic waste.

 

President Murmu concluded by highlighting cleanliness's impact on economic, cultural, and environmental areas. She expressed confidence that, with collective effort, India will become one of the world’s cleanest nations by 2047, in line with its vision of becoming a developed nation.