Surat, India – July 17, 2025 – Surat, often celebrated for its glistening diamonds and vibrant textiles, has once again polished its reputation, this time for its stellar commitment to cleanliness.1 The city proudly clinched the second position in the Swachh Survekshan 2024 results, a testament to its continuous efforts in urban sanitation.2 While Indore remarkably held onto its top spot for the eighth year running, Surat’s consistent excellence reaffirms its place among India’s cleanest cities.
The much-anticipated Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 Awards, presided over by President Droupadi Murmu in a grand ceremony in New Delhi today, highlighted the cities leading the charge in urban sanitation and waste management under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ pioneering Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U).3
Surat’s journey to this prominent position hasn’t been a one-off success; it’s a story of sustained dedication. The city has been a formidable contender in the Swachh Survekshan rankings for years, even sharing the coveted first position with Indore in the previous edition (Swachh Survekshan 2023). This year’s second-place finish simply reinforces the city’s unwavering commitment to a cleaner environment.
This ninth edition of the world’s largest urban cleanliness assessment was no easy feat. It meticulously evaluated over 4,500 cities on a comprehensive range of parameters.4 From the efficiency of waste collection and segregation to processing methods, and even incorporating valuable public feedback, every aspect of urban sanitation infrastructure was scrutinized.5
Surat’s impressive achievement is a collaborative triumph. It speaks volumes about the diligent work of the Surat Municipal Corporation, the tireless efforts of its dedicated sanitation workers, and crucially, the active participation of its citizens. The city has rolled out a variety of innovative initiatives and established robust systems to ensure efficient waste management and uphold public hygiene, all of which have significantly contributed to its consistently high ranking.6
While Indore continues to etch its name in history as India’s cleanest city, Surat’s sustained presence at the top echelons of the Swachh Survekshan serves as a powerful illustration of the positive ripple effect of the Swachh Bharat Mission. It highlights the growing awareness and deep-seated commitment towards fostering a cleaner India. Indeed, Surat’s success is not just a win for the city itself, but an inspiring blueprint for other urban centers striving for a healthier, more sustainable future.