Waling Municipality in Syangja district has been awarded the cleanest city in the country for this year, followed by Dhankuta and Ilam, the Solid Waste Management Technical Center (SWMTC) announced on Wednesday.

“Waling topped the 217 municipalities across the country short-listed by the Center. The award that carries cash worth Rs 700,000 is given for the efforts in solid waste management, proper drainage and sewerage system, greenery and beautification, and clean environment,” said Bishwomani Gyawali, executive director at the SWMTC.

The three municipalities were felicitated with appreciation and cash price of Rs700,000, Rs500,000 and Rs300,000 for first, second and third places respectively on the occasion of the World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5. The center had made a public call for all the municipalities across the country to submit their proposals for the award. The clean city award was initiated in 2013 by the Ministry of Urban Development under the Clean City project being implemented by the ministry in support with the SWMTC.

Pokhara was the first sub-metroplis to be declared the cleanest city in 2013, followed by Hetauda in 2014. The award function was not held last year due to the earthquake. “The programme to award the best municipality is not just an event but is our commitment towards encouraging local bodies, including the municipalities to work towards solid waste management and keep their city clean in the long run,” said Gyawali.

The award was distributed based on various criteria, including efforts towards management of solid waste, segregation and minimisation of waste at source.