On July 17, 2025, the iconic Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi lit up for a proud national celebration, the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 Awards. In its 9th edition, India’s largest cleanliness survey recognised the most dedicated cities in the fight for hygiene, sanitation, and sustainability. The awards were conferred by President Smt. Droupadi Murmu, with Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Shri Manohar Lal also in attendance. The real showstopper? Indore clinched the top spot once again, claiming the crown of India’s cleanest city for the 8th consecutive year.
But this time, it wasn’t just about one city. A refreshing wave of cleanliness has swept across urban India, from bustling metros like Surat and Navi Mumbai to serene hill towns like Panchgani and Ambikapur. These cities are not just meeting the bar, they’re setting it.
What’s New in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25?
This year’s survey took a smarter, more inclusive turn with the introduction of the Super Swachh League, segmenting cities based on their population size. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, cities were divided into five categories, ranging from tiny towns to megacities with populations exceeding one million, ensuring fairness and relevance in comparison.
Over 78 awards were handed out across 4 main categories, evaluated on 10 key cleanliness and service delivery parameters, making it the most structured and tech-backed assessment of urban sanitation yet.
Top 10 Cleanest Cities in India 2025 (As per Swachh Survekshan 2024-25)
| Rank | City | Category | State/UT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indore | Million Plus Cities | Madhya Pradesh |
| 2 | Navi Mumbai | Million Plus Cities | Maharashtra |
| 3 | Surat | Million Plus Cities | Gujarat |
| 4 | Noida | Big Cities (3–10 lakh) | Uttar Pradesh |
| 5 | Chandigarh | Big Cities (3–10 lakh) | Chandigarh (UT) |
| 6 | NDMC (Delhi) | Medium Cities (50k–3L) | Delhi |
| 7 | Tirupati | Medium Cities (50k–3L) | Andhra Pradesh |
| 8 | Ambikapur | Medium Cities (50k–3L) | Chhattisgarh |
| 9 | Sasvad | Small Cities (20k–50k) | Maharashtra |
| 10 | Panchgani | Very Small Cities (<20k) | Maharashtra |
Why These Cities Deserve the Spotlight?
Indore
Year after year, Indore continues to set an example with its solid waste segregation, community engagement, and public infrastructure. The city's citizens, municipal staff, and administrative policies align to maintain its top position.
Navi Mumbai and Surat
Navi Mumbai's cleanliness extends beyond aesthetics; it includes solid public sanitation services and green policies. Surat, meanwhile, has transformed its image through relentless municipal reforms and smart waste management.
Noida and Chandigarh
Both cities benefit from their modern infrastructure and active citizen participation. Noida's focus on digital monitoring and Chandigarh’s eco-conscious planning help them rank among India’s cleanest.
Tirupati and Ambikapur
Tirupati brings temple-town cleanliness to life, while Ambikapur continues to earn global praise for its waste management model, driven largely by women-led recycling centres.
Panchgani and Sasvad
These charming Maharashtra towns prove that population size doesn’t define cleanliness. With robust local governance and citizen involvement, they’re leading by example.
The Swachh Revolution
Swachh Survekshan has grown beyond a survey; it’s now a national movement. It’s about shifting mindsets, involving people, and building cities that are clean, not just for today, but for future generations.
Cleanliness is no longer just a government mandate; it’s a shared responsibility. From municipalities deploying smart garbage tracking systems to local communities organizing cleanliness drives, the real engine of this change is people power.
With the Super Swachh League framework in place, every city now has a clearer target to aim for. Whether you're in a town of 15,000 or a metro with 10 million people, the path to a cleaner future is measurable, visible, and achievable.
The dream of clean, green, and livable Indian cities is closer than ever, thanks to collaboration between policymakers, citizens, and civic innovators.
The Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 is more than a scoreboard; it’s a mirror reflecting India’s progress in urban cleanliness and citizen awareness. Indore may wear the crown, but from Panchgani to Surat, the whole nation is shining a little brighter.
As we look ahead to 2026, one thing is clear: clean cities are no longer the exception; they’re becoming the rule.
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About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
My articles aim to inform and entertain, making me a go-to source for sports enthusiasts seeking a blend of information and enjoyment. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, I consistently deliver compelling narratives that resonate with a diverse audience.
