Ahmedabad Ranks Cleanest Emerging City Among 1 Million+ Population Category in Swachh Survey

Ahmedabad has been named the cleanest emerging city in India among those with over one million residents, surpassing Bhopal and Lucknow in the Swachh Survekshan 2023 rankings. The recognition reflects the city’s sustained efforts to improve sanitation, waste management, and public hygiene. For urban India, especially Tier 2 cities aiming to balance growth and livability, Ahmedabad’s performance sets an important example.

What the Ranking Means
Swachh Survekshan is India’s annual cleanliness survey conducted across thousands of cities. This year, Ahmedabad topped the “1 million+ population emerging cities” category—a segment created to recognise fast-developing urban centres that are improving rapidly on cleanliness indicators.

The ranking was based on a mix of citizen feedback, field assessments, and service-level progress reported by municipalities.

How Ahmedabad Achieved It
Over the past year, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation intensified its efforts in waste segregation, plastic reduction, community engagement, and daily sanitation drives. Local wards saw increased use of smart bins, real-time tracking of garbage collection, and campaigns to promote cleanliness awareness.

Additionally, public toilets, clean roadsides, and well-maintained public spaces played a major role in boosting scores.

Comparison with Other Cities
Bhopal and Lucknow, both known for their civic initiatives, were closely behind Ahmedabad in the same category. However, Ahmedabad’s edge came from consistent citizen participation and more visible infrastructure-level improvements across multiple zones.

What this also shows is that urban competition on cleanliness is no longer limited to just metro cities—it’s now a Tier 2 and Tier 3 game as well.

Why This Matters for Other Cities
The recognition puts a spotlight on how mid-sized and emerging urban centres can lead the way in sustainable city management. It’s not just about cleaner roads—it’s about air quality, water safety, waste treatment, and the overall mental and physical health of citizens.

Cities like Nagpur, Indore, Surat, and even smaller hubs can look at Ahmedabad’s model and adapt what suits their local challenges.

Conclusion:
Ahmedabad’s top ranking in the emerging city category is more than a badge of honour—it’s a signal that focused civic planning and public cooperation can bring about real change. As India continues to urbanise, cities that prioritise cleanliness and community involvement will not just score better on surveys but offer better lives to the people who call them home.