Varanasi: Varanasi has secured third position in the ‘Best Riverfront Town’ category under the Swachh Survekshan 2025-26, conducted by Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Varanasi had earlier received the Best Ganga Town Award under Swachh Survekshan 2024-25.President Droupadi Murmu presented the award at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Wednesday. Uttar Pradesh Urban Development minister AK Sharma, mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari and municipal commissioner Himanshu Nagpal received the honour. Additional municipal commissioner Durgesh Mishra was also present.Municipal officials said the survey covered cities located along the rivers across the country. Varanasi was recognised for cleanliness along Ganga ghats, improved sewage treatment systems and better riverfront management.The city has remained among the top performers in riverfront cleanliness surveys since 2020. This year, it competed not only with towns along Ganga but also with cities located on other major rivers.The assessment included document verification, field inspections and citizen feedback. Parameters such as sewage treatment plants, drain tapping, solid waste management, cleanliness of ghats and facilities for residents and tourists were evaluated.Water quality testing was also a major component of the survey. Samples were collected from upstream, midstream and downstream points, including Assi, Dashashwamedh and Rajghat. Tests were conducted for dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, faecal coliform and pH levels.The officials said that Varanasi performed well due to round-the-clock cleaning of more than 84 ghats, tapping of drains to prevent untreated wastewater from entering Ganga, use of trash skimmer machines to remove floating waste and separate collection of flowers and worship material for compost and incense production.Celebrations were held at the Varanasi Municipal Corporation headquarters in Sigra, where the award ceremony was broadcast live. Officials, corporators, employees and sanitation workers celebrated with applause, drumbeats, slogans of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and ‘Jai Maa Gange,’ and by applying gulal.The mayor said the achievement was a proud moment for every resident of Varanasi. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s guidance, sanitation workers and citizens for the success.Municipal commissioner Himanshu Nagpal said maintaining the cleanliness and sanctity of Ganga ghats remains a priority for the municipal corporation. He said the city would continue to improve cleanliness standards through technology and public participation.
