Goa’s capital city, Panaji, has been ranked the third cleanest city in India in the 20,000–50,000 population category in the 10th edition of the Swachh Survekshan 2025–26 rankings, announced on Wednesday. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at a function held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. Representing the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), Mayor Rohit Monserrate received the award in the presence of CCP Commissioner Clen Madeira and Urban Development Secretary Yatindra Maralkar, IAS.
While this recognition is certainly welcome, one cannot help but question how closely the ranking reflects the ground reality in Panaji. Despite the publicity surrounding the award, several parts of the city continue to face serious sanitation issues. The situation is particularly concerning along the Mandovi riverfront, where casino vessels are allegedly discharging sewage and other waste directly into the river. The Divja Circle area, too, frequently experiences an unpleasant stench of raw sewage and garbage. The sewage treatment plant also appears to be operating beyond capacity, with reports suggesting that a substantial portion of the sewage remains untreated.While Panaji has been declared the third cleanest city in India, the everyday experience of residents and visitors raises questions about the effectiveness of sanitation and waste-management systems on the ground. Such rankings should ideally reflect not just official assessments but also the actual condition of the city. The issue also highlights the need for greater public awareness and responsible leadership on environmental matters. Statements suggesting that bursting firecrackers can cure diseases, kill insects or purify the environment are difficult to reconcile with the alarming rise in air pollution levels witnessed in cities across northern India, particularly New Delhi, following the widespread use of fireworks during festivals such as Diwali. Claims that pollution will automatically settle after a few days should not detract from the need to address its harmful effects. Ultimately, a cleanliness award is meaningful only when it translates into a visibly cleaner and healthier environment for the people who live in and visit the city.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
