Ahmedabad (Gujarat) has been ranked cleanest city in India for the first time under Swachh Survekshan 2024–25, conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Indore, which topped the rankings for six consecutive years, has been moved to the newly introduced Swachh Bharat Super League 1.0 – recognizing cities with sustained excellence in sanitation.
About Swachh Survekshan
| Parameter | Details |
| Launched | 2016 under Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM-U) |
| Conducted by | MoHUA (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs) |
| Scope (2024–25) | Over 4,500 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) |
| Citizen Participation | 12+ crore responses, one of the largest participatory surveys globally |
| Key Parameters | Waste segregation, ODF status, public area cleanliness, citizen feedback, digital governance |
Key Rankings: 2024–25 Edition
| Category | Ranked Entities |
| Top 3 Cleanest Cities (>1 lakh) | 1. Ahmedabad (Gujarat) 2. Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) 3. Surat (Gujarat) |
| Cleanest Cities (<1 lakh) | 1. Sasvad (Maharashtra) 2. Lonavala 3. Vita |
| Cleanest Ganga Towns | 1. Varanasi (UP) – 4th consecutive win 2. Prayagraj 3. Bijnor |
| Best Performing States | 1. Maharashtra 2. Madhya Pradesh 3. Chhattisgarh |
| Cleanest State Capital | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh |
| Cleanest Cantonment Board | Mhow, Madhya Pradesh |
| Best Citizen Feedback Response | Chandigarh |
| Innovation in Sanitation | Navi Mumbai (for circular economy initiatives) |
Gujarat’s Performance Highlights
- Ahmedabad, Surat, and Rajkot ranked in the Top 10 Cleanest Cities.
- Key contributors to Ahmedabad’s success:
- 100% scientific processing of solid waste
- Door-to-door waste collection in all wards
- Citizen apps for real-time cleanliness tracking and grievances
- Focused investments in mechanised sweeping and legacy waste removal
Innovations in Swachh Survekshan 2024–25
| New Features Introduced | Purpose |
| AI-Based Validation Tools | For accurate cleanliness assessments |
| Swachhta League | Youth engagement in urban sanitation |
| Legacy Waste Management Emphasis | Clearing long-standing garbage dump sites |
| Real-time Monitoring via ICCCs | Integrated Command & Control Centres for live sanitation updates |
| Updated GFC Star Ratings | Garbage-Free City certification linked with Swachh Survekshan |
About Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban)
| Aspect | Details |
| Launched by | PM Narendra Modi, October 2, 2014 |
| Objective | Make urban areas Open Defecation Free (ODF) and scientifically manage waste |
| Phase 2 | SBM-U 2.0 (launched in 2021) – focusing on ODF sustainability, waste segregation, and sludge management |
| Implementing Ministry | Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) |
Implications for Urban Governance
Swachh Survekshan is no longer just a ranking system, but a key driver of transformation in urban sanitation and public participation:
- Institutionalised waste segregation and scientific processing
- Boosted public-private partnerships and start-ups in sanitation
- Created jobs in waste management and circular economy sectors
- Reinforced competitive federalism and governance reforms at ULB level
Why This Matters?
- First-time win for Ahmedabad reflects Gujarat’s rapid progress in urban solid waste management
- Indore’s elevation to the Swachh Bharat Super League 1.0 creates a new aspirational benchmark
- The survey’s expansion and data-backed validation ensures transparency and replicable urban best practices.