Cuttack, Oct 9 (UDN): The three-day Swachha Sambardhana Utsav–2026 and Badakhana, organised by the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (KMC), concluded on Thursday with the felicitation of more than 150 sanitation workers from Zones 3 and 4 in recognition of their contribution to keeping the historic city clean and healthy.
With the final day’s ceremony, KMC honoured more than 750 sanitation workers and personnel during the three-day event, celebrating their dedication to maintaining public hygiene and strengthening the city’s sanitation system.
The concluding programme was attended by KMC Mayor Subash Singh, Deputy Mayor Damayanti Majhi, Commissioner Kirandeep Kaur Sahota, elected representatives, standing committee chairpersons and senior officials of the civic body.
Sanitation Workers Recognised as ‘Swachha Champions’
More than 150 workers serving across 20 wards under Zones 3 and 4 were felicitated as Swachha Champions. The workers, engaged through G. Manju Services, included sanitation personnel whose daily responsibilities are essential to maintaining cleanliness across neighbourhoods.
Sanitation inspectors and sanitation experts were also recognised for their contributions. Corporators representing different wards were felicitated with bouquets and mementoes by the Mayor, after which they honoured sanitation workers serving in their respective areas.
Addressing the gathering, KMC Commissioner Kirandeep Kaur Sahota described sanitation workers as an integral part of the city’s community, acknowledging their role in creating a cleaner and more beautiful Cuttack.
She emphasised that their contribution extends beyond routine duties, helping shape the city’s environment through sustained hard work and commitment.
Mayor Calls Workers the City’s Unsung Heroes
Mayor Subash Singh highlighted Mahatma Gandhi’s emphasis on cleanliness and praised sanitation workers for their consistent service, often beginning their duties in the early hours of the morning.
He described them as the city’s unsung heroes and said their dedication was helping Cuttack progress towards higher cleanliness standards.
In his welcome address, Deputy Commissioner of Sanitation Jubuli Charan Behera said the initiative reflected the Corporation’s gratitude towards workers who form the backbone of the city’s sanitation network.
He also highlighted programmes such as Bande Mahanadi, Rupayan, Black Soldier Fly, Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP), Garima and NAMASTE, aimed at strengthening sanitation services and improving workers’ welfare and working conditions.
Workers Sensitised on Welfare Schemes
The event also featured awareness sessions on government welfare programmes, social security provisions and benefits available to sanitation workers.
Representatives of the Garima State Team and NAMASTE programme participated in the sessions. Ganesh Parida and NAMASTE resource person Phanibhushan Tripathy briefed workers on relevant schemes and welfare measures.
The sessions were intended to improve awareness of support systems available to sanitation personnel and encourage greater access to social protection benefits.
Badakhana, Cultural Activities Add to Celebrations
A special Badakhana was organised at a local Kalyan Mandap exclusively for sanitation and cleaning workers as a gesture of appreciation for their service.
The celebrations also included recreational activities such as musical chairs, rangoli competitions and cultural performances, providing workers an opportunity to participate in activities beyond their daily responsibilities.
Deputy Mayor Damayanti Majhi, in her vote of thanks, acknowledged the invaluable contribution of sanitation workers to the city’s cleanliness and public health.
Collective Responsibility for a Cleaner Cuttack
The three-day Swachha Sambardhana Utsav–2026 highlighted the importance of recognising sanitation workers not merely as service providers but as key contributors to urban development and public well-being.
The initiative also reinforced the message that maintaining a clean city requires cooperation among municipal authorities, elected representatives, sanitation personnel and citizens.
Through the celebration, KMC reiterated its commitment to acknowledging the people whose everyday efforts help keep Cuttack cleaner, healthier and more liveable.
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