In a remarkable achievement, Indore has been declared the cleanest city in India for the eighth consecutive time, as per the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2024-25. The awards ceremony was held on July 17, 2025, and the results were announced at the Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, where President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards. Following Indore, the cities of Surat and Navi Mumbai secured the second and third positions, respectively.

In the category for cities with a population between 3-10 lakh, Chandigarh was ranked the cleanest, followed by Noida and Ujjain. These awards are part of India’s annual cleanliness survey, which aims to promote cleanliness and better waste management practices across the country.

Indore: India’s Cleanest City for the Eighth Time

Indore’s consistency in maintaining its position as India’s cleanest city is unparalleled. This marks the eighth consecutive year that Indore has won the top position in the Swachh Survekshan rankings, a title it has previously claimed for seven years in a row. The city’s continued success has highlighted its commitment to cleanliness, waste management, and overall urban sanitation.

This year, Indore was also included in the Super League 2024-25, which consists of only the 23 cities that have consistently ranked in the top three positions across all previous surveys. Indore stood out in the Super League, securing the first place once again, reinforcing its status as a leader in urban cleanliness.

Swachh Survekshan 2024-25: Results and Awards

The results of the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 were unveiled on Thursday, July 17, 2025, during a ceremony organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The event took place at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, where President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards to the winners. The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Manoj Joshi, and other key officials.

This annual survey evaluates cities across the nation on their sanitation efforts and waste management practices. The Swachh Survekshan Awards have become one of the most anticipated events in India, recognizing cities and towns that have made significant strides in cleanliness, waste management, and urban sanitation.

Coverage of Over 4,500 Cities

The Swachh Survekshan program, launched by the Government of India, covers over 4,500 cities and assesses cities based on several indicators, including waste management, infrastructure, and citizen engagement. This year’s evaluation was carried out using 10 parameters and 54 indicators, ensuring that the survey covered a broad range of cleanliness-related factors.

One of the key objectives of the Swachh Survekshan mission is to promote widespread citizen participation in sanitation and waste management. The survey has succeeded in encouraging people to take part in initiatives aimed at making cities and towns cleaner and more liveable. By fostering collaboration among various sectors of society, the program aims to bring about a cleaner, greener environment.

Focus on Cleanliness, Waste Management, and Service Delivery

The Swachh Survekshan aims to promote a holistic approach to sanitation by addressing multiple aspects, including waste management, cleanliness, and the efficient delivery of municipal services. Each city’s performance is assessed based on its efforts to maintain cleanliness, manage waste effectively, and ensure that citizens receive quality sanitation services.

As part of the survey, cities are evaluated for various factors, such as the segregation of waste at the source, the quality of public sanitation facilities, and the frequency of garbage collection. The Swachh Survekshan serves as a benchmark for cities across the country to improve their sanitation infrastructure and services, fostering healthy competition among cities to become cleaner and more sustainable.

Swachh Survekshan 2024-25: Key Highlights

The Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 marked the beginning of the ninth year of the survey. The primary focus areas included:

1. Cleanliness: Assessing how clean and hygienic public spaces are across cities.

2. Waste Management: Evaluating the efficiency of waste segregation, collection, and recycling processes.

3. Citizen Engagement: Measuring the level of public participation in cleanliness initiatives.

4. Public Sanitation: Ensuring that public facilities like toilets are maintained properly.

5. Service Delivery: Evaluating the overall delivery of sanitation services to residents.

This year’s survey involved extensive data collection and assessment of various cities, with Indore, Surat, and Navi Mumbai leading the pack in terms of performance. The rankings are based on a rigorous process that includes both quantitative and qualitative assessments.

Indore’s Achievement and What It Means for Urban India

Indore’s consistent top rankings over the years are a testament to the city’s commitment to cleanliness and efficient waste management systems. The city has implemented several innovative solutions to tackle urban sanitation challenges, from modern waste management technologies to effective public awareness campaigns.

Indore’s success has inspired other cities across India to adopt best practices in sanitation and waste management. The city’s ranking is a reflection of the efforts put in by local authorities, residents, and various stakeholders in making the city a cleaner and healthier place to live. Indore’s achievement serves as a benchmark for other cities in India to emulate.

Swachh Survekshan’s Role in Promoting Urban Cleanliness

The Swachh Survekshan program has played a vital role in promoting cleanliness and waste management across India. It has encouraged local governments to adopt innovative methods to keep cities clean, from waste segregation at the household level to improving the efficiency of garbage collection systems. The survey also promotes citizen participation, making it a collaborative effort to improve urban living conditions.

Moreover, the survey has led to the development of better infrastructure in cities. From providing clean drinking water to enhancing public toilets and sanitation facilities, the Swachh Survekshan has contributed to a significant improvement in the overall quality of urban living.

Impact of Swachh Survekshan on Local Communities

The Swachh Survekshan has not only focused on large-scale improvements in urban cleanliness but also on how these initiatives impact local communities. It has driven greater awareness about the importance of waste segregation, proper disposal, and sanitation. People in cities across India are now more conscious about maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings and are actively participating in programs that aim to keep their cities clean.

The survey has also led to the introduction of community-driven initiatives, where local residents work together to improve sanitation in their neighborhoods. These initiatives have not only contributed to cleaner cities but also fostered a sense of community and responsibility among citizens.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Swachh Survekshan

As the Swachh Survekshan continues to grow and evolve, its impact on urban cleanliness and waste management is expected to deepen. The government has already set ambitious targets for cities to achieve in the coming years, with a focus on sustainable waste management practices and improved sanitation facilities.

The survey’s emphasis on citizen engagement and community participation will play a key role in shaping the future of urban cleanliness. As cities like Indore, Surat, and Navi Mumbai continue to lead the way, other cities will likely follow suit, adopting better practices and striving for cleaner, more sustainable urban environments.

Indore’s achievement of being named India’s cleanest city for the eighth consecutive year highlights the city’s continued success in implementing efficient waste management and cleanliness practices. The Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 has once again demonstrated the importance of citizen involvement in maintaining a cleaner, healthier environment. With over 4,500 cities covered in the survey, the results serve as a reminder of the progress India has made in improving urban sanitation. As more cities adopt best practices from the winners, the future of urban cleanliness looks promising.