Which is the cleanest city in India?

Indore: India’s Cleanest City

When it comes to urban cleanliness and civic management in India, one city consistently stands out—Indore, Madhya Pradesh. In the 2021 Swachh Sarvekshan survey—the annual cleanliness assessment conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs—Indore secured the top spot, earning its reputation as the cleanest city in the country.

Since 2017, Indore has maintained an impressive track record, not just reaching the number one position, but holding it for multiple consecutive years. This achievement isn’t accidental. The city’s success stems from strong civic administration, public participation, and efficient waste management systems. Door-to-door waste collection, strict enforcement of plastic bans, and widespread public awareness campaigns have played a crucial role in transforming Indore’s urban landscape.

Unlike many Indian cities where waste and litter remain persistent challenges, Indore has invested heavily in infrastructure—building decentralized waste processing units, promoting composting, and ensuring regular sanitation drives. Citizens are actively encouraged to segregate waste, and the city runs successful initiatives like "My Waste, My Responsibility," which have fostered a sense of ownership among residents.

While the 2021 rankings placed Surat, Vijayawada, and Navi Mumbai in second, third, and fourth place respectively, Indore’s sustained performance sets it apart. It’s not just about winning a title; it’s about creating a culture of cleanliness that sticks.

For travelers and urban planners alike, Indore offers a model of what’s possible when governance, technology, and community effort align. In a nation striving for better sanitation and healthier cities, Indore shines as a benchmark—proof that lasting change is possible, one neighborhood at a time.