Top 10 Cleanest Cities in India in 2025 – How Did They Make It?
Explore the top 10 cleanest cities in India in 2025, their population sizes, and the innovative policies that have made these urban centers stand out in the Swachh Survekshan rankings.
Cleanest CitiesSwachh SurvekshanUrban PlanningWaste ManagementSustainabilityReal Estate MumbaiJul 28, 2025
The list is based on Swachh Survekshan, 2024-25 results released by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, also the elitist Super Swachh League and the highest performers in each population category. The ranking of the cities is based on a composite score out of 12,500, 3R compliance, Garbage-Free City (GFC) stars, ODF++/Water+ status, and their consistency since 2021.
| Rank | City | State | 2025 Pop. (est.) | GFC Stars | Ruling Party (State) | Municipal Control |
|------|---------------|-----------------|------------------|-----------|----------------------|---------------------------------|
| 1 | Indore | Madhya Pradesh | 3,483,000 | 7-Star | BJP | BJP-led IMC |
| 2 | Surat | Gujarat | 8,582,000 | 7-Star | BJP | BJP-run SMC |
| 3 | Navi Mumbai | Maharashtra | 1,636,000 | 7-Star | Mahayuti (BJP–SS) | Administrator (NMMC) |
| 4 | Ahmedabad | Gujarat | 9,062,000 | 5-Star | BJP | BJP-led AMC |
| 5 | Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh | 2,686,000 | 5-Star | BJP | BJP-run BMC |
| 6 | Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | 4,133,000 | 7-Star | BJP | BJP-run LMC |
| 7 | Noida | Uttar Pradesh | 850,000 est. | 5-Star | BJP | Noida Authority (Govt) |
| 8 | Chandigarh | Chandigarh (UT) | 1,266,000 | 3-Star | UT Admin (BJP-led) | MCC (BJP-Mayor) |
| 9 | Mysuru | Karnataka | 1,346,000 | 5-Star | INC | BJP-Mayor |
| 10 | Vijayawada | Andhra Pradesh | 2,350,700 | 7-Star | YSRCP | Vijayawada M.C. (YSRCP) |
1. Indore, MP
Estimated Population 2025: 3,483,000
Governing Body: Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC)
Policies Implemented:
- 100% door-to-door pick-up through RFID-tagged vehicles and use of GPS to track its route.
- Bio-CNG and compost plants (650-TPD), 400 city buses powered by gobar-dhan slurry.
- Mainstreaming 3R behavior through zero-waste polling stations “Adarsh Matadan Kendra.”
2. Surat, Gujarat
Population (2025 est.): 8,582,000
Municipal Body: Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC)
What Worked:
- 1,500 TPD combined plant making 100 TPD CNG and masonry blocks, achieving zero landfill.
- Pavers made of Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste accelerated real estate.
3. Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
Population (2025 est.): 1,636,000
Governing Body: Administrator-led Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC)
What Worked:
- The city used a circular waste economy and opened seven Recycle Marts and co-located repair cafes.
- A powerful mass movement by the transgender community led to a reduction in littering.
- The NMMC expedited its infrastructure through capex injection, obtained a 7-Star GFC certificate, and green financing of 300 crores.
4. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Population (2025 est.): 9,062,000
Governing Body: Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC)
What Worked:
- The 2023 Zero-Waste Roadmap prohibited open dumps and mandated “pay as you throw” bylaws.
- To reclaim Pirana landfill, Ahmedabad used legacy biomining equipment to release 150 acres for green energy projects and urban investment.
5. Bhopal, MP
Population (2025 est.): 2,686,000
Governing Body: Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC)
What Worked:
- The 850 tonne per day waste in Bhopal is completely converted using a series of MRFs and an expanding CNG fleet.
- The dumpsite transformed into an eco-park, resulting in an appreciating area in terms of real estate and pride among civic citizens.
6. Lucknow, UP
Population (2025 est.): 4,133,000
Governing Body: Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC)
What Worked:
- The city cleared more than 3.2 million m³ of dumps with 97 percent automated segregation.
- Planting of one million saplings throughout the areas of the ring-road contributed to its 7-Star GFC rating and clean air.
7. Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Estimated Population 2025: 850,000
Governing Body: Noida Authority
What Worked:
- The data-first strategy allowed Noida to automate waste supply chains through IoT bins and street cleaning.
8. Chandigarh, Chandigarh (UT)
Population (2025 est.): 1,266,000
Governing Body: Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh (MCC)
What Worked:
- Consistent efforts in waste management and urban planning led to a 3-Star GFC rating.
9. Mysuru, Karnataka
Population (2025 est.): 1,346,000
Governing Body: Mysuru City Corporation
What Worked:
- Innovative waste management practices and community participation led to a 5-Star GFC rating.
10. Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
Population (2025 est.): 2,350,700
Governing Body: Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC)
What Worked:
- Effective waste management and community engagement resulted in a 7-Star GFC rating.
These cities have set a high standard for urban cleanliness and sustainability, showcasing the importance of proactive governance and community involvement in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Swachh Survekshan ranking based on?
The Swachh Survekshan ranking is based on a composite score out of 12,500, 3R compliance, Garbage-Free City (GFC) stars, ODF++/Water+ status, and consistency since 2021.
Which city has the highest population among the top 10 cleanest cities in India in 2025?
Ahmedabad, with an estimated population of 9,062,000, is the city with the highest population among the top 10 cleanest cities in India in 2025.
What innovative waste management practice did Navi Mumbai implement?
Navi Mumbai implemented a circular waste economy, opened seven Recycle Marts, and co-located repair cafes, which significantly reduced littering and improved waste management.
How did Indore achieve its 7-Star GFC rating?
Indore achieved its 7-Star GFC rating through 100% door-to-door waste pick-up using RFID-tagged vehicles, bio-CNG and compost plants, and mainstreaming 3R behavior through zero-waste polling stations.
What is the significance of the 7-Star GFC rating?
The 7-Star GFC rating signifies that a city has achieved the highest level of cleanliness and waste management, demonstrating excellence in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
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