Gorakhpur | Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the Safai Mitra Surakshit Shehar Samman Samaroh in Gorakhpur and emphasized that the city has come a long way in transforming its image from a town once associated with lawlessness and poor sanitation to a model urban center of cleanliness and development.
At the event organized by Gorakhpur Nagar Nigam, CM Yogi honored sanitation workers and ward councillors selected under the Swachh Ward Competition. He symbolically handed over financial aid cheques from the Safai Mitra Kalyan Kosh and flagged off 12 new sanitation vehicles.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation for 177 development projects worth ₹253 crore, including Uttar Pradesh’s first Urban Flood Management Cell and Early Warning System, a Digital Library at the Nagar Nigam premises, and the Integrated Solid Waste Management System in Suthni Bhiti Rawat.
Gorakhpur Among Top 4 in National Cleanliness Survey
Praising the city’s achievement in the Government of India’s Swachh Survekshan, CM Yogi said, “Gorakhpur ranked fourth nationally in the 3–10 lakh population category. Just three years ago, we were at the 74th position. This is a remarkable leap. Now, our target is to enter the top three.”
The CM credited the collective effort of ward councillors, sanitation workers, supervisors, and Nagar Nigam officials for the city’s impressive progress in cleanliness and infrastructure.
From Mosquitoes and Mafias to Model of Clean Governance
Reflecting on Gorakhpur’s transformation, CM Yogi said, “There was a time when Gorakhpur was known for mosquitoes, mafias, filth, traffic chaos, and waterlogging. Today, the city is cleaner, roads have widened, and the drainage system has improved significantly.”
He highlighted that all wards in Gorakhpur now have active Swachhata Samitis and urged for healthy competition among wards at zonal and city levels. He recommended providing incentives and recognition for top-performing councillors and sanitation teams to sustain momentum.
Tech-Driven Cleanliness and Flood Management
The CM launched the state’s first Urban Flood Management Cell and Early Warning System, which will use technology to monitor waterlogging, encroachments, and clogged drains in real-time. He also previewed a short film on Gorakhpur’s cleanliness initiatives and the flood management system.
He lauded the city’s embrace of technology and teamwork, calling it a vital contribution to the vision of Viksit Bharat as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for 2047.
Inauguration of Landmark Projects
Among the inaugurated projects were:
- Digital Library at Nagar Nigam (also open to former councillors)
- Animal Birth Control Centre in Gulharia for control of street dogs and stray animals
- Ramgarh Tal Beautification Phase-2 worth ₹35.41 crore
- Roads, drainage and sewer systems in multiple wards
- Working Women’s Hostel with 75 beds in Siktour
- Zonal offices at Transport Nagar and Ranidih
- Lal Diggi Park beautification
-
Widening and strengthening of the road from Nakha Overbridge to Hadhwa Phatak via Ram Janaki Nagar
The CM remarked that these projects will offer long-term benefits and are funded by public tax money, urging officials to ensure transparency and high-quality execution.
Inspiring Civic Engagement
The CM appealed to ward-level Swachhata Samitis to conduct door-to-door campaigns urging residents not to throw waste on the roads. “Public representatives and citizens alike must commit to eliminating single-use plastic and ensuring clean public spaces,” he said.
He emphasized that collective efforts and team spirit were the key to achieving Gorakhpur’s newfound success in cleanliness and development.
Spiritual Start to the Day
Earlier in the day, CM Yogi performed Rudrabhishek at the Manasarovar Temple, marking the auspicious occasion of Sawan Shivratri.
Dignitaries Present
The ceremony was attended by MP Ravi Kishan Shukla, Mayor Dr. Manglesh Srivastava, MLC Dr. Dharmendra Singh, MLAs Bipin Singh, Mahendra Pal Singh, Pradeep Shukla, Dr. Vimlesh Paswan, Sarwan Nishad, and other public representatives and senior officials.
