Swachh Survekshan is the world's largest cleanliness survey, and its latest edition concluded in 2023, painting a vibrant picture of India's progress towards a cleaner and greener future. With the theme "Waste to Wealth," the survey focused on transforming waste into valuable resources, fostering innovation, and encouraging citizen participation in sustainable waste management practices.
The Press Information Bureau mentions: “President of India launched the Swachh Survekshan 2023 dashboard. Speaking at the event, the President said, “When everyone contributes to and participates in Swachh Survekshan, it’s an important step forward. Praising the States and ULBs for their performance in Swachh Survekshan, she said, “The theme for the year 2023 “Waste to Wealth” is an important topic to ponder upon. I would like to say that wealth should be created out of waste as that will help the overall cleanliness. Cleanliness has to be made divine process.”
The much-awaited results were announced 11 January 2024 on the Press Information Bureau, with a thrilling tie for the top spot! Surat, Gujarat, and Indore, Madhya Pradesh, were declared the joint cleanest cities in India, showcasing their unwavering commitment to sanitation and hygiene.
Which are the Top 10 Cleanest Cities of India?
Here is the list of top 10 cleanest cities in India:
| Ranking | 2023 |
| 1 | Indore & Surat |
| 2 | NA |
| 3 | Navi Mumbai |
| 4 | Visakhapatnam |
| 5 | Bhopal |
| 6 | Vijayawada |
| 7 | NDMC |
| 8 | Tirupati |
| 9 | Greater Hyderabad |
| 10 | Pune |
Source: Swachh Survekshan 2023
While Surat and Indore received the coveted titles, the true success of Swachh Survekshan lies in the collective spirit of improvement demonstrated by cities across the country.
Saswad, a charming town nestled in Maharashtra, has defied size expectations by bagging the cleanest city award in the category of urban centres with a population less than 1 lakh! This remarkable achievement at the prestigious Swachh Survekshan 2023 highlights the power of dedication and innovation in creating a cleaner future, regardless of scale.
But Saswad isn't the only champion. Patan in Chhattisgarh and Lonavala in Maharashtra secured the second and third positions, respectively, showcasing the growing commitment to cleanliness across India's diverse urban landscape. Further north, along the holy Ganges, Varanasi and Prayagraj emerged as the cleanest Ganga towns, demonstrating progress in keeping the river pristine.
These victories are not just individual triumphs but testaments to the power of Swachh Survekshan, an initiative launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in 2016. Since its inception, this annual survey, the largest of its kind globally, has fostered a spirit of healthy competition among cities, pushing them to improve service delivery, invest in sanitation infrastructure, and prioritize citizen well-being.
For towns like Saswad, Patan, and Lonavala, the recognition goes beyond a trophy. It signifies a dedication to creating cleaner, healthier environments for their residents and a ripple effect that inspires others to follow suit. As India aims for a brighter, more sustainable future, these small towns become beacons of hope, proving that size doesn't matter when it comes to making a big impact.
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