July 17, 2025:
In a major achievement under the Centre’s flagship Swachh Bharat Mission, Indore has once again secured the top position as India’s cleanest city, marking its eighth consecutive win in the annual Swachh Survekshan rankings released by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Surat claimed the second spot, while Navi Mumbai ranked third in the 2025 edition of the world’s largest urban cleanliness survey.
The survey, conducted across more than 4,500 cities, evaluated urban local bodies based on key indicators such as waste segregation, citizen feedback, sanitation infrastructure, and innovative waste management practices.
According to officials, Indore’s consistent performance has been driven by a combination of citizen participation, strict waste management protocols, and the introduction of smart sanitation solutions. The city has implemented door-to-door garbage collection, waste segregation at source, and bio-methanation plants that convert organic waste into energy.
“Indore has set a benchmark for cleanliness in the country. Its model of community engagement, accountability, and innovation is a blueprint for other cities to follow,” said Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, during the announcement ceremony.
Surat, which retained its second-place ranking, has been applauded for its use of technology in managing solid waste and ensuring timely collection. The city has also deployed GPS-enabled garbage trucks and implemented large-scale composting initiatives.
Navi Mumbai, which moved up in the rankings to claim the third spot, received praise for its well-planned infrastructure and strong focus on decentralized waste processing. Civic officials credited the success to regular awareness campaigns, community participation, and rigorous monitoring systems.
The Swachh Survekshan survey, launched in 2016, aims to foster a spirit of healthy competition among cities while promoting sustainable cleanliness practices. It involves both field inspections and feedback from lakhs of citizens, making it a comprehensive assessment of urban hygiene levels.
This year’s results once again highlight the growing emphasis on urban cleanliness, environmental responsibility, and citizen involvement. The Ministry reiterated its commitment to supporting city administrations in adopting innovative and efficient sanitation strategies under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0.
With Indore’s record-breaking eighth title, the city has reaffirmed its position as a national leader in urban cleanliness, setting a strong example for other cities aiming for sustainable urban development and improved quality of life.
