Manipur’s Jiribam wins ‘Most promising town’ award

IMPHAL — After getting the ‘Clean City’ Award in the category of cities in North East India with population of less than 15,000 people three years ago, Manipur’s Jiribam town has been once again been awarded the ‘Most promising town’ in the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2024-25 in New Delhi on Thursday.

This is the fifth consecutive time that Jiribam, 220 km west of Imphal, has been recognised as the cleanest small city in North East India.

Manipur’s Principal Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (MAHUD), RK Dinesh, accompanied by Director (MAHUD) Ngangom Uttam Singh, Chairperson of Jiribam Municipal Council (JMC), S Shanti Devi, and Executive Officer of JMC, Moirangthem Surjit, collectively received the award on behalf of the state.

The prestigious award ceremony was attended by the President of India Droupadi Murmu and the Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar.

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Out of 27 urban local bodies in Manipur, Jiribam emerged as a shining example of community-driven sanitation efforts, ranking number one among 21 small towns (population below 20,000) in the North Eastern Region. Nationally, Jiribam stands at an impressive 174th position out of 2,035 towns in this category.

“The recognition reflects the state government’s continued commitment towards promoting urban cleanliness, sustainable waste management, and active citizen participation in building healthier towns,” the joint director of MAHUD department stated in a press release on Thursday. “The award is also a testament to the tireless efforts of the local municipal council, frontline workers, and the people of Jiribam.”

On Jiribam town’s continuous achievement in annual cleanliness survey, the executive officer of JMC said, “Moreover, Jiribam is the first ODF (Open Defecation Free) and GFC (Garbage Free City) Three Star Town in the state. Sanitary workers' relentless efforts also make it successful.”

In 2022, Lamlai town in Imphal East district had also bagged the ‘Fast moving city.”

Mention may be made here that Kakching Municipal Council had also won Cleanest City award in 2018, third Cleanest City in 2019 and Best City in Citizens' Feedback in 2020.