Pollution essay

How The Top 10 Cleanest Cities in India Are Shaping the Future?

Published on April 22, 2025
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7 Min read time

Quick Summary

  • The Swachh Survekshan 2025 highlights India’s top 10 cleanest cities, with Indore leading for the seventh year.
  • Cities like Surat, Navi Mumbai, and Visakhapatnam excel in waste management, community engagement, and innovation.
  • Clean cities improve public health, promote sustainability, and showcase how citizen participation and government initiatives can create a greener India.

Table of Contents

An efficiently planned, clean, and green city is not only fascinating but is also effective. The level of sanitation in cities has improved significantly, and in the Swachh Survekshan survey 2025, data for the top 10 clean cities in India were gathered within some of the regions with the most rainfall in India, which can indeed be examples for other cities.

As we move from Indore, rated the cleanest city, to some unknown cities steeply rising, the idea of urbanization is versatile. They have done everything from creating a proper garbage disposal practice to encouraging people to participate in their campaigns. 

So, let’s examine the top 10 cleanest city in India, their specific case practices, and the reasons for being in the category of the cleanest cities in India.

Top 10 Cleanest Cities in India (2025 Rankings)

Indian cities’ modern approach to urban hygiene has been exceptional. The third edition of the Swachh Survekshan 2025 survey emphasizes the top 10 cleanest cities in India, which celebrate clean and hygienic cities. Let us examine what these cities have done to earn these ranks and what makes them stand apart. 

Table of the Top 10 Cleanest City in India

RankCityState
1IndoreMadhya Pradesh
2SuratGujarat
3Navi MumbaiMaharashtra
4VisakhapatnamAndhra Pradesh
5BhopalMadhya Pradesh
6VijayawadaAndhra Pradesh
7AhmedabadGujarat
8RajkotGujarat
9ChennaiTamil Nadu
10PuneMaharashtra

Indore: Cleanest city in India

Top 10 cleanest city in India

Some notable changes have occurred in Indore city to the point where the city has been declared as the Winner of the Swachh Survekshan Award Ceremony for the seventh year in a row, with the title ‘The Cleanest City in India’. It can be claimed that such achievement is the outcome of the satisfactory planning and performance of such policies like source separation, implementation of zero waste policy in the communities or active engagement of the residents.

The city uses the three-bins approach for waste separation and has also introduced composting units in the districts. 

Surat: 2nd cleanest city in India

top 10 cleanest city in india

Surat is one of the Top 10 cleanest cities in India. It is often referred to as the diamond city, but thanks to cleanliness campaigns, the city almost shines bright in this effort. The city’s surprising nature has focused on solid waste management and cleanliness infrastructure, allowing Surat to consistently maintain a high rank in Swachh Survekshan. 

Indeed, one of Surat’s striking features is technology, such as GPS systems on waste collection trucks and smart bins. Moreover, the community has also contributed significantly to the program’s success, as citizens participated in cleaning and maintaining the site. 

Navi Mumbai

Top 10 cleanest city in India

The city of investments, Navi Mumbai, is one of India’s Top 10 cleanest cities. It has remarkable waste management systems focused on its strong engagement with infrastructure. Its focus on urban forestry and stringent sanitation measures has enabled the city to be one of the cleanest in India.

The measures taken by Navi Mumbai’s green revolution policymakers, such as encouraging buyer market or electric operation vehicles and sustained lush vegetation, are praiseworthy. Campaigning to educate the public and getting the residents involved in keeping the city clean has even boosted its claim to be a model city in urban sustainability.

Visakhapatnam

Top 10 cleanest city in India

Visakhapatnam, aka Vizag, is one of the Top 10 cleanest cities in India. It has become a clean city role model through community and sound waste management systems. The combination of the city’s door-to-door refuse collection with the vigorous application of policies on waste separation has lessened the need for landfills.

Awareness programs engaging residents in such practices also contribute to Vizag’s and its people’s success. Given that its shores and public areas are always in good condition, Visakhapatnam will remain regarded as a clean and green city.

Bhopal

Top 10 cleanest city in India

Bhopal is one of the Top 10 cleanest cities in India. It has made remarkable progress in cleanliness, focusing on preserving its iconic lakes and promoting green initiatives. The city’s waste segregation systems and public hygiene programs have contributed significantly to its improved rankings.

Efforts to clean and maintain its water bodies, combined with tree plantation drives, have reinforced Bhopal’s commitment to sustainability. The active involvement of residents and civic bodies has been instrumental in creating a cleaner, greener urban environment.

Vijayawada

Top 10 cleanest city in India

Vijayawada is one of the Top 10 cleanest cities in India. It has become a neat, tidy city owing to its proficient waste segregation initiatives and clean roads. The focus has been on increasing residents’ understanding of hygiene and the proper disposal of waste.

Regular cleanliness drives and community programs have significantly contributed to Vijayawada’s transformation. The management of public places and roads’ cleanliness is exemplary for other cities to emulate.

Ahmedabad

top 10 cleanest city in india

Ahmedabad is one of the Top 10 cleanest city in India. It has taken a leap toward sustainability with its waste-to-energy plants and innovative cleanliness initiatives. The city has implemented systems to convert organic waste into energy, reducing its environmental footprint.

Public campaigns and civic awareness programs have been pivotal in Ahmedabad’s journey to becoming one of the cleanest cities in India. Focusing on modernization and sustainability, the city sets a new standard for urban cleanliness.

Rajkot

Top 10 cleanest city in India

Rajkot is one of the Top 10 cleanest cities in India. It has made excellent progress in sanitation, street cleaning, and improving civic consciousness. The municipality has also implemented a ‘Door to Door’ garbage collection system and awareness and grassroots campaigns to clean the environment in various cities.

This sustained strategy indicates residents’ willingness to participate in the cleanliness drive, improving Rajkot’s status among India’s cleanest cities.

Chennai

top 10 cleanest city in india

Chennai is one of the Top 10 cleanest cities in India. It has emphasized the waste management system and air pollution control measures, enhancing public spaces and better living standards for its citizens. Laws regarding waste disposal, sorting, and recycling have received effective compliance. 

Public awareness campaigns and green initiatives have also greatly improved Chennai’s cleanliness ranking, showing that citizens and authorities can achieve more together.

Pune

top 10 cleanest city in india

Pune’s focus on sustainability and new waste management systems indeed does not cease to amaze us. Initiatives in the city include converting waste to compost and waste to energy, conducting cleanliness drives, and engaging citizens.

Pune’s regular ranking among the cleanest cities in India is sufficient evidence of its dedication to achieving a cleaner and greener environment. It is a beacon to the world of how cities can be well developed with simple planning and everyone’s effort.

Swachh Survekshan 2025: Driving India Towards Cleaner Cities

The Swachh Survekshan is a survey form published yearly by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development that classifies cities according to their cleanliness and sanitation. The survey has served as a massive source of motivation for cities in India to develop and implement ways to clean up the environment. This encourages good competition and compels cities to implement reforms that enhance the residents’ quality of life.

Key Evaluation Criteria in 2025

Cities are assessed using a comprehensive framework that includes:

  • Waste Management: Includes segregating waste at the source, recycling initiatives, and efficient disposal systems.
  • Citizen Participation: How actively residents engage in cleanliness campaigns and provide feedback.
  • Sanitation Infrastructure: The availability and maintenance of toilets, waste bins, and sewage systems.
  • Air Quality and Pollution Control: The efforts of cities to reduce pollution levels and promote green initiatives.
  • Innovation: Use new technologies, such as waste-to-energy plants, composting units, and innovative waste management solutions.

Why the Rankings Matter

The Swachh Survekshan 2025 rankings celebrate achievements and set a benchmark for others to follow. Cities that rank high serve as models of best practices in urban management. These rankings lead to:

  • Improved waste handling and public hygiene.
  • Enhanced environmental and public health standards.
  • Greater civic awareness and responsibility among citizens.
  • Stronger collaboration between local governments, communities, and private entities.

The survey plays a vital role in India’s journey toward cleaner, greener, and more liveable cities by recognizing progress and encouraging participation.

Why Clean Cities Matter

Clean cities profoundly impact public health, the environment, and the economy. A city that prioritizes cleanliness fosters better living conditions and helps create a positive impression for visitors and residents alike. 

Impact on Health and Sustainability

A cleaner city also improves public health. Reducing pollution and maintaining sanitation will help fight diseases from poor hygiene and environmental contamination. A cleaner city also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing waste, improving air quality, and conserving resources. 

The Role of Public Participation and Government Initiatives

Involving the community is essential for ensuring that areas are kept clean. Government policies that aim to achieve a clean environment, such as the Swachh Bharat Mission and Swachh Survekshan, aid a great deal as they set specific standards that urban areas are expected to meet, thus encouraging them to be creative and track changes.

The Path to Cleaner, Greener Cities

The top 10 cleanest city in India, as per Swachh Survekshan 2025, demonstrate the level of excellence that today’s cities can achieve if they give importance to hygiene, eco-friendliness, and public involvement. Cities such as Indore, Surat, and Navi Mumbai have shown the world that it is possible to practice effective waste management, get the community involved, and work towards a better and greener future. These cities show us that sanitation can be achieved by everyone coming together, be it the residents, local governments, or businesses. 

But this effort doesn’t stop at cities. We can also do our part by changing our little habits, such as omitting waste disposal with segregation, endorsing campaigns that seek cleanliness, or engaging in eco-friendly citizenship. Working together, we can secure a much more beautiful and sustainable India now and in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which are the top 10 cleanest cities in India?

According to Swachh Survekshan 2025, Indore, Surat, Navi Mumbai, and other top cities lead in cleanliness through effective waste management, innovative technology, and strong public involvement. Indore tops the list for the seventh year, showcasing excellence in zero-waste policies and community-driven sanitation practices.

What is the Swachh Survekshan Award?

The Swachh Survekshan Award is an annual recognition given by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to Indian cities based on their cleanliness and sanitation performance. It encourages healthy competition among cities, promotes citizen participation, and drives efforts towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable urban environment.

Which is the richest, cleanest city in India?

Surat is often considered one of the richest and cleanest cities in India. Known as the diamond and textile hub, it boasts a strong economy and modern infrastructure. Its efficient waste management, smart city initiatives, and active citizen participation have consistently placed it among the top cleanest cities in India.

Which is the green city of India?

Mysuru (Mysore) is often called the Green City of India due to its lush gardens, tree-lined avenues, and commitment to environmental sustainability. Known for its clean surroundings, well-maintained parks, and eco-friendly practices, Mysuru has consistently ranked high in cleanliness and greenery, making it a model for sustainable urban living.

How does cleanliness help reduce pollution?

Cleanliness reduces pollution by preventing waste buildup, which can contaminate air, water, and soil. Proper waste management, including segregation and recycling, helps limit landfill usage and minimizes harmful emissions. Additionally, cleaner streets and greener spaces improve air quality and environmental health.

Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor

Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.

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