Top 10 Indian States with Cleanest Cities (Swachh Survekshan 2025)

Cleanliness and sanitation are critical pillars of public health and sustainable urban development. India’s Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission), launched in 2014, has been a monumental effort to improve hygiene, waste management, and overall cleanliness across cities and towns in the country.

One of the most significant instruments to assess and encourage cleanliness standards is the Swachh Survekshan, an annual cleanliness survey conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The survey evaluates urban local bodies (ULBs) on multiple parameters, including sanitation, waste management, citizen feedback, and innovations in cleanliness.

Understanding the Importance of Swachh Survekshan

Swachh Survekshan not only ranks cities but also motivates them to compete in adopting better sanitation infrastructure and community participation. This ranking serves as a barometer of the effectiveness of municipal governance and the success of the Swachh Bharat Mission on the ground.

Each year, cities from across India participate, and rankings are published highlighting the cleanest cities. The results of Swachh Survekshan 2025 showcase the progress of urban centers in their cleanliness efforts, providing valuable insights into regional strengths and challenges.

Overview of the Swachh Survekshan 2025 Rankings

The 2025 survey reveals several interesting trends. Notably, states such as Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra dominate the list with multiple cities ranking among the cleanest. This is indicative of these states’ strong commitment to improving urban sanitation through innovative policies and active citizen engagement.

The top 10 cleanest cities for 2025, along with their states, are:

• Indore, Madhya Pradesh
• Surat, Gujarat
• Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
• Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
• Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
• Ahmedabad, Gujarat
• Rajkot, Gujarat
• Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Pune, Maharashtra

Let us explore in detail the contributions of these cities and the states they represent.

Madhya Pradesh: Leadership in Cleanliness with Indore and Bhopal

Madhya Pradesh has emerged as a national leader in urban cleanliness, largely due to Indore’s persistent top rankings since the inception of Swachh Survekshan. Indore’s approach combines effective waste segregation, door-to-door garbage collection, and strict enforcement of sanitation laws. Its success also stems from robust citizen participation through awareness campaigns and involvement of community groups in cleanliness drives.

Bhopal, the capital city, has also made significant progress in improving public sanitation and waste management systems. Initiatives such as the promotion of plastic bans, smart dustbins, and enhanced sewage treatment plants have contributed to its improved ranking. The consistent performance of these two cities reflects Madhya Pradesh’s comprehensive state-level policies that prioritize urban cleanliness.

Gujarat: Excellence in Waste Management with Surat, Ahmedabad, and Rajkot

Gujarat has set an example in sustainable urban development, particularly in waste management and water conservation. Surat, sharing the top position with Indore in 2025, is renowned for its innovative waste-to-energy projects and efficient garbage disposal mechanisms. The city also emphasizes public health through clean drinking water initiatives and regular cleanliness drives.

Ahmedabad and Rajkot complement Gujarat’s cleanliness image with their advanced waste processing facilities and citizen awareness programs. These cities have incorporated digital monitoring systems for waste collection and strict penalties for littering, thus ensuring accountability.

The involvement of local industries in maintaining city cleanliness also contributes significantly to Gujarat’s high standards.

Maharashtra: Combining Infrastructure and Awareness with Navi Mumbai and Pune

Maharashtra’s urban centers have shown remarkable improvement, with Navi Mumbai and Pune among the top ten cleanest cities in 2025. Navi Mumbai’s planned urban development and green infrastructure make it a model for other cities. The municipal corporation’s emphasis on sustainable waste management, including composting and recycling, has been key to its cleanliness.

Pune has been a frontrunner in community-driven sanitation initiatives. Programs encouraging citizens to segregate waste at source and use composting pits have raised awareness and participation. The city also invests in smart technologies such as sensor-based waste bins and GPS-enabled garbage trucks to streamline waste collection.

Andhra Pradesh: Coastal Cleanliness and Civic Engagement in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada

Andhra Pradesh’s coastal cities, Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, have made significant progress in sanitation, largely due to their focus on solid waste management and public participation. Visakhapatnam’s coastal ecosystem necessitates stringent measures to control marine pollution, which the city addresses through beach cleaning drives and waste management programs.

Vijayawada’s improvement in public spaces, toilets, and sewerage systems has enhanced the city’s hygiene standards. Both cities conduct extensive citizen outreach programs, ensuring residents actively contribute to maintaining cleanliness.

Tamil Nadu and Its Urban Cleanliness: Chennai’s Growing Success

Chennai’s performance in Swachh Survekshan 2025 indicates the city’s growing focus on improving sanitation infrastructure and waste disposal. The municipal corporation has upgraded waste processing plants and implemented public education campaigns to reduce littering and promote cleanliness. Chennai’s coastal location has also brought attention to managing water bodies and reducing plastic waste.

Top 10 Cleanest Cities and Their States