Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been conferred the Global Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026 in recognition of its outstanding work in climate-resilient renewable water infrastructure and innovative sludge treatment with resource recovery.
The award was presented on Tuesday evening at a special function held at the Shamvet Auditorium in New Delhi, organised by the Earth Water Foundation (EverythingAboutWater).
Mayor Sulochana Das and the BMC team received the award from former Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh and former Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Durga Shankar Mishra.
BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana was also present.
Key initiatives that earned BMC this global recognition include the operation of 30 solar-powered water kiosks across the city. These kiosks use clean, environment-friendly technology to provide safe drinking water while reducing reliance on conventional energy sources. In a significant step towards circular sanitation, BMC has implemented an advanced faecal sludge treatment plant at Basuaghai. Here, human waste is processed scientifically using modern technology, the treated water is reused, and the resulting sludge is converted into fertiliser. This process prevents the mixing of untreated excreta with water bodies or the atmosphere, thereby curbing pollution of water and air. The corporation has also laid special emphasis on the occupational safety and well-being of third-gender workers involved in the sanitation and processing operations.
Mayor Das and Commissioner Rana dedicated the honour to the citizens of Bhubaneswar. They described the recognition as a reflection of the city’s collective commitment to sustainable urban development and innovative public service delivery.