Patna: Bihar has been named the cleanest state in eastern India in the Gramin Swachhta Survekshan 2025 conducted by the Union government, according to the latest report released this week.
The state performed strongly across key indicators including rural sanitation, solid and liquid waste management, open defecation-free (ODF) systems and community participation.
Bhagalpur was ranked the best-performing district in the eastern region, while Supaul also featured among the high-performing districts.
Improvements in village sanitation
The survey noted significant improvements in toilet usage, waste disposal systems and cleanliness measures at the panchayat level across rural Bihar.
According to the report, sanitation committees in villages have become more active, while regular cleanliness drives have contributed to visible changes on the ground.
The participation of women and self-help groups was also identified as a major factor behind the progress.
Focus on behavioural change
Rural Development Department principal secretary Pankaj Kumar said the government’s efforts extended beyond toilet construction and focused on encouraging behavioural change among residents.
He said drainage infrastructure, plastic waste management and water conservation schemes were being implemented in mission mode across panchayats.
Several villages have also established solid waste management units where organic waste is being converted into compost.
Shift in public perception
Experts said the achievement could help improve Bihar’s public image, particularly in regions previously associated with poor sanitation and underdevelopment.
Some villages are now being recognised as model rural communities due to sustained sanitation efforts and improved local participation.
The state government is also preparing incentive-based competition schemes at the panchayat level to maintain the pace of the cleanliness campaign.
National ambitions
Policy experts said Bihar could strengthen its position at the national level if current progress in drainage systems, waste management and community engagement continues.
The report identified the following top-performing districts by region:
- Central Region: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Eastern Region: Bhagalpur, Bihar
- Northern Region: Rohtak, Haryana
- North-Eastern Region: Chümoukedima, Nagaland
- Western Region: Satara, Maharashtra
- Southern Region: Karimnagar, Telangana
- Union Territories: Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Bihar’s performance in the survey has been described as a significant outcome of ongoing rural development initiatives and public awareness campaigns.
