Chandigarh/New Delhi, November 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Sri Anandpur Sahib, the birthplace of the Khalsa, has been declared Punjab’s “State First Swachh City” under the Swachh Bharat Mission. Local Government Minister Harjot Singh Bains received the national award from President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Bains attributed the recognition to the sanitation and public service initiatives undertaken during the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. Paying obeisance to the Sikh Guru, who founded Sri Anandpur Sahib, he said the award was the outcome of the services rendered during the anniversary celebrations.
He said he remained committed to the further development of Sri Anandpur Sahib and described the recognition as a blessing and an honour for the holy city.
Accompanied by State Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission and CEO PMIDC Deepti Uppal, and Municipal Council Sri Anandpur Sahib President Harjit Singh Jita, Bains credited the achievement to a sustained, community-driven cleanliness campaign.
The minister said more than 4,751 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) participated in the 10th edition of Swachh Survekshan 2025–26, of which 63 were recognised for outstanding performance in cleanliness and sanitation. Sri Anandpur Sahib received the Best Swachh City of Punjab award.
Bains said the honour belonged to every resident, sanitation worker, councillor, municipal official and volunteer who contributed to making cleanliness a collective movement. He said special attention had been given to roads, public spaces and surrounding areas, along with public awareness, considering the large number of pilgrims and tourists visiting the historic town from India and abroad.
He also praised the Municipal Council team, officials and sanitation workers for their round-the-clock efforts, adding that the national recognition would encourage the government to further strengthen sanitation systems, protect the environment and preserve the beauty of the holy city.
Urging residents to make cleanliness part of their daily lives, Bains said the achievement reflected what coordinated efforts by the government, administration and citizens could accomplish.
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