Jammu Declared Cleanest City in UT, Secures 3-Star GFC Certification; 70 ULBs Achieve ODF+ Status
X: @JournalistAadil
Srinagar: In a significant step forward in urban sanitation and cleanliness, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has achieved remarkable results in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25, the largest annual cleanliness survey conducted by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India.
Following an extensive field assessment by an independent third-party agency appointed by MoHUA, the final rankings were officially declared on July 17, 2025. The evaluation, carried out over several weeks during April and May, included rigorous on-ground verification of waste management systems, sanitation infrastructure, citizen feedback, and adherence to cleanliness protocols across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in J&K.
Jammu Tops the UT, Earns National Recognition
Jammu Municipal Corporation has been declared the Cleanest City of Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting its outstanding performance in sanitation and waste management. In addition to topping the UT rankings, Jammu has earned the prestigious 3-Star Garbage-Free City (GFC) certification under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0.
Further recognizing its commitment to public hygiene and citizen engagement, the Ministry has also honoured Jammu Municipal Corporation with the ‘Promising Swachh Shehar’ award. The accolades mark a significant milestone in the city’s sustainable urban development journey.
Beerwah Earns 1-Star GFC Rating
The Municipal Committee Beerwah has also achieved notable success, securing a 1-Star Garbage-Free City certification, contributing meaningfully to the overall improvement in the UT’s cleanliness index.
70 ULBs Achieve ODF+ Status; 2 Achieve ODF++
The survey results also revealed a substantial improvement in sanitation across the region, with 70 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) attaining Open Defecation Free Plus (ODF+) status, and two ULBs earning ODF++ certification, highlighting both infrastructural advancements and behavioural change at the community level.
Leadership and Community Effort Drive Success
The successful implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban 2.0 in Jammu & Kashmir is being spearheaded by the Housing & Urban Development Department (HUDD) under the leadership of Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Mandeep Kaur (IAS). Since taking charge, Mandeep Kaur has played a pivotal role in driving performance improvements and fostering inter-departmental collaboration.
This progress reflects the combined efforts of the Urban Local Bodies, frontline sanitation workers, and active citizen participation, all contributing to transforming cities and towns across the Union Territory into cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable urban spaces.
National Recognition in New Delhi
On behalf of Jammu Municipal Corporation, Dr. Devansh Yadav (IAS), Commissioner JMC and Mission Director SBM, received the state award from the Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs in New Delhi on July 17, 2025.
The 2024 Swachh Survekshan results stand as a testament to the commitment of Jammu & Kashmir toward scientific waste management, environmental resilience, and inclusive urban development, setting a strong foundation for achieving garbage-free cities in line with the vision of Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0.
