Introduction

The ninth iteration of Swachh Survekshan, recognized as the largest urban cleanliness survey globally, marks a significant milestone in India''s sanitation landscape. Conducted under the aegis of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), the survey has expanded remarkably—from a pilot project in fewer than 100 cities in 2016 to an assessment of over 4,500 urban centers by 2024–25. While public discourse often centers on the competitive rankings, the survey''s deeper significance lies in its role as a diagnostic tool for urban governance, waste management, and behavioral change.

Urban Sanitation as Measured Governance

The survey employs a comprehensive methodology based on ten key parameters, including waste segregation, sanitation infrastructure, worker welfare, and citizen grievance mechanisms. Combining third-party audits with inputs from 140 million citizens, the process enhances the credibility of the findings and provides actionable insights for municipal bodies. This evidence-based framework encourages data-driven decision-making, transforming the survey into a powerful instrument for performance benchmarking and public accountability.

Enhancing Participation Through Structural Reform

·       The Super Swachh League and Categorized Competition: To counter the dominance of a few consistently high-performing cities, the 2024–25 edition introduced the Super Swachh League. Cities such as Indore, Surat, and Navi Mumbai were grouped separately, enabling emerging cities like Ahmedabad, Bhopal, and Lucknow to gain visibility within their population categories. By dividing cities into five population-based tiers—from those under 20,000 to those exceeding one million—this reform democratized participation and spurred competitive improvements.

·       Case in Point: Odisha’s Rise: Odisha exemplifies the success of this inclusivity. Bhubaneswar climbed from 34th to 9th place, while smaller municipalities like Aska and Chikiti also made notable gains. These examples highlight how equitable frameworks can foster broader, decentralized progress in sanitation performance.

Innovation, Best Practices, and Waste as a Resource

Municipal Innovation and Community Engagement

Beyond the rankings, Swachh Survekshan has evolved into a repository of replicable innovations. Indore’s six-stream waste segregation model, Surat’s commercial reuse of treated sewage, and Pune’s integration of ragpickers into cooperatives all demonstrate scalable urban sanitation strategies. Lucknow’s waste-themed park and Agra’s bioremediation of the Kuberpur dumpsite further illustrate how urban waste can be reimagined as a public resource through creative policy-making and citizen participation.

Cleanliness and Economic Development

Tourism-focused cities were also evaluated for their ability to manage sanitation during high-footfall events. Prayagraj was recognized for its waste management during the Maha Kumbh Mela, reinforcing cleanliness as both a cultural necessity and an economic imperative. With India attracting only 1.5% of global tourist traffic, sustained urban hygiene is critical for both global image and domestic well-being. The 2025 survey’s theme—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR)—reflects a broader shift from waste elimination to circular economy principles.

Persistent Challenges and Future Directions

Despite marked progress, several challenges endure. While the campaign has achieved success in eliminating open defecation, similar behavioral shifts around consumption, waste generation, and recycling have yet to take root. India’s urban centers generate over 150,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, straining the capabilities of urban local bodies (ULBs). Efficient segregation, plastic and e-waste management, and capacity building at the municipal level will be crucial to long-term sustainability.

Conclusion

Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 underscores that urban transformation is possible through strategic competition, data transparency, and inclusive governance. The evolution of cities like Surat—from sanitation crises in the 1990s to national exemplars today—demonstrates the replicability of successful models. Moving forward, cities must institutionalize cleanliness as a civic ethic and an economic asset. With robust public policy, community ownership, and technological innovation, India can transition from managing waste to creating holistic urban value.