Indore has once again solidified its reputation as India’s cleanest city, securing the top rank for an unprecedented eighth consecutive year in the central government’s annual Swachh Survekshan survey. The results were officially announced on July 17, 2025, at a prominent ceremony in New Delhi.
Key Highlights
- Top Three Cities (Million-Plus Category):
- 1st: Indore
- 2nd: Surat
- 3rd: Navi Mumbai
- 3–10 Lakh Population Category:
- 1st: Noida
- 2nd: Chandigarh
- 3rd: Mysore
National Recognition
The awards were presented by President Droupadi Murmu, in the presence of Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal at an event attended by stakeholder dignitaries and civic representatives. The Swachh Survekshan Awards continue to serve as a benchmark for urban sanitation, innovation in waste management, and widespread citizen participation across Indian cities.
What Sets Indore Apart
- Sustained Civic Engagement: Indore has fostered a strong sense of community ownership over cleanliness — from rickshaw drivers to local businesses, all actively participate.
- Innovative Waste Management: The city enforces strict waste segregation at source and has reduced landfill dependency through waste-to-wealth initiatives.
- Policy & Infrastructure: Robust monitoring, incremental garbage reduction, and zero-waste colonies have kept Indore ahead.
About Swachh Survekshan
Swachh Survekshan is the world’s largest urban cleanliness survey, assessing cities on a variety of parameters including waste management, sanitation infrastructure, service delivery, and citizens’ feedback. More than 4,500 cities participated in the 2025 edition, maintaining the survey’s role as a driving force behind India’s move toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Quotes from the Ceremony
President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the cultural nature of cleanliness in Indian society and praised the integration of the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R) principle within urban management initiatives. She noted the crucial role of citizen participation and the circular economy in supporting the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Indore’s remarkable achievement sets a national benchmark and continues to inspire cities across India to strive for “swachhata” (cleanliness) in both policy and practice.
