What is Swachh Survekshan?
Swachh Survekshan 2024 is India’s annual cleanliness survey conducted under the Swachh Bharat Mission by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The survey evaluates the cleanliness and sanitation efforts of urban local bodies across the country. It is one of the world’s largest cleanliness drives, not only measuring how cities manage solid waste but also tracking public feedback, sanitation infrastructure, and innovation. Over the years, the survey has become a key performance indicator for local governments, pushing them to prioritize hygiene, cleanliness, and sustainable waste practices in their governance agendas.
Cities Ranked for Cleanliness
Every year, cities are ranked based on various criteria, including solid waste management, open defecation-free status, availability of public toilets, use of technology, and citizen feedback. In Swachh Survekshan 2024, a scoring system was used to ensure transparency and data accuracy. Urban areas were judged across service-level progress, certifications (such as ODF+ or Water Plus), and direct citizen engagement through app ratings and feedback surveys. This holistic evaluation ensures that cities are not only clean but also inclusive and sustainable in their cleanliness efforts.
How Many Cities Took Part
A remarkable 4,477 cities and towns from all over India took part in Swachh Survekshan 2024, covering both metropolitan and small municipalities. This wide participation reflects the survey’s growing influence and the increasing awareness among urban local bodies about the importance of cleanliness. The scale of the survey helps the government identify national trends and challenges while offering detailed insights into regional sanitation practices. It also encourages cities of all sizes to compete and showcase their best efforts.
Special Awards Given
In addition to overall cleanliness rankings, Swachh Survekshan 2024 also awarded cities for their outstanding performance in specific categories. These included innovation in waste segregation, efficient public toilet maintenance, plastic waste control, and citizen engagement. Some cities were recognized for promoting zero-waste lifestyles and integrating informal waste workers into formal systems. These awards motivate cities to experiment with new ideas, learn from each other, and adopt best practices that contribute to sustainable urban living.
Top Small and Big Cities
This year’s survey celebrated winners across population categories. Among big cities, Indore continued its strong record, while cities like Navi Mumbai and Surat showed exceptional improvements. Among small cities, names like Sasvad and Vita stood out for maintaining cleanliness standards despite limited resources. These achievements underline that with the right will and planning, both small and large cities can achieve top ranks in sanitation and public hygiene.
What Helped Cities Win
The cities that ranked the highest in Swachh Survekshan 2024 shared some key strategies. These included daily door-to-door garbage collection, mandatory waste segregation at source, timely cleaning of public toilets, and the use of eco-friendly disposal systems. Moreover, involving citizens through awareness campaigns, school programs, and local apps helped drive community ownership. According to GKToday, cities that combined technology with civic participation outperformed others.
Why This Survey Matters
Swachh Survekshan 2024 is not just a competition—it is a roadmap for India’s sanitation future. The survey offers cities the chance to evaluate their progress and push for better infrastructure and services. Cleanliness is linked directly to public health, tourism, and quality of life, making this survey crucial for India’s urban development. As India moves toward the goal of a clean and sustainable future under Swachh Bharat Mission, surveys like these serve as both motivation and measurement of real progress on the ground.
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