Punjab has secured fifth position in the recently-announced Swachata Survekshan-2022 among all the states of the country having more than 100 Urban Local Bodies (ULB). Besides, Punjab has emerged as the top state in the northern zone with Moonak, Nawanshahar, and Gobindgarh got the first rank as clean cities.

Sharing the information, the state’s Local Government Minister Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar on Sunday said that the awards were given by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. “The competition takes place among all the states of the country having more than 100 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Punjab has got the first position in the northern zone, which is a matter of pride for the State and an inspiration for the rest of the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs),” said the Minister.

Congratulating the management, officials, and employees of the Local Government Department for the achievement, Dr Nijjar said that last year, Punjab had stood seventh and had improved its position to fifth this year.

“During the Swachata Sarvekshan, Punjab has scored 2935 points across the country. According to the population of the city, Moonak, Nawanshahar, and Gobindgarh have got the first rank as clean cities. In addition, Ghagga, Bareta, Bhikhi, Dasuya, Kurali, Nangal, and Fazilka were also honoured with awards in the cleanliness survey ceremony,” he said.

Dr Nijjar said that the Punjab Government is fully working to provide a clean environment to the people of the state. As a result, it has won an award in the cleanliness survey by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of Punjab Government.

At the same time, the Minister also appealed to other Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) that they should also take inspiration from their counterparts that have secured the position. Apart from this, he also appealed to the people of the State to cooperate with the Government in keeping their surroundings clean so that in the future, it will help to bring Punjab to the first position in the cleanliness survey across the country.