Patiala: Anandpur Sahib has been named Punjab’s Best Swachh City under Swachh Survekshan 2025-26, with local govt minister Harjot Singh Bains receiving the national award from President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi on Wednesday.Bains attributed the recognition to community-led cleanliness initiatives and voluntary service undertaken during the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.“This honour belongs to every resident, sanitation worker, councillor and volunteer who transformed cleanliness into a public movement,” he said.Bains attended the ceremony along with Swachh Bharat Mission State Mission director and PMIDC CEO Deepti Uppal and Anandpur Sahib municipal council president Harjit Singh Jita.More than 4,751 urban local bodies participated in the 10th edition of Swachh Survekshan 2025-26, of which 63 were recognised for exceptional performance in cleanliness and sanitation, Bains said.He said the recognition was particularly significant given Sri Anandpur Sahib’s religious and historical importance and the large number of pilgrims and tourists who visit from across India and abroad. Special emphasis had been placed on cleaning roads, public spaces and surrounding areas, along with creating awareness about sanitation.Bains said the award reflected the sustained efforts of Municipal Council officials and sanitation workers.“This national recognition will motivate us to further strengthen sanitation systems, protect the environment and preserve the beauty of the holy city,” he said.He urged residents to make cleanliness a part of everyday life and help sustain the achievement.
