Even though India is not known for its cleanliness, some areas of the country come out as models. People are more motivated to recycle, reuse and keep their streets clean as local governments are increasingly taking responsibility for the cleanliness of their city with the recent inauguration of the “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” campaign by the Government of India. India’s eco-friendly cities take pride in their work to protect the environment and advance sustainability.
1. Indore, Madhya Pradesh
In the modern era, Indore has emerged as a leading state from the point of view of national development. Indore, a metropolis of over one million people, consistently holds the rank of India’s cleanest city. According to the Swachh Bharat survey conducted by the government, the city was ranked the cleanest in India in the years 2018, 2019 and 2020. Indore is a classic example of a city that is emerging with myriad options, yet a city that has not forgotten its history and heritage.
2. Surat, Gujarat
Surat is the second largest city of Gujarat. It is known as the “City of Flyovers” and is the pride and joy of Gujarat. By adopting sustainable development initiatives including solar energy and solid waste recycling, the city has made significant efforts to maintain its cleanliness, earning it the honor of being the second cleanest Indian city in the year 2020.
3. Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
Navi Mumbai always features in the list of cleanest cities in India on a regular basis. In the 2020 Swachh Survekshan, government data lists Navi Mumbai as the third cleanest city in India. The ideally planned city inspired the residents towards a more ecological capital by using various modern technologies, setting an example for the rest of the state of Maharashtra.
4. Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh
A small, peaceful town in the state of Chhattisgarh, Ambikapur has recently grabbed attention after being ranked as the fourth cleanest city in India in the year 2020 by the Swachh Survekshan. The city has many tourist spots, but the most notable are the Jogimara Caves, the Shivpuri Shiva Temple, and the Raksaganda Falls.
5. Mysore, Karnataka
Owing to its rich heritage, Mysore, the third most populous city of Karnataka, attracts lakhs of tourists throughout the year. It is rich in history, which includes its glorious royal past, intricate architecture, famous silk sarees, yoga and sandalwood to name a few. It recently received another accolade, being selected as one of the top ten cleanest cities in the country for 2020.
6. Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
The word Vijayawada, meaning “place of victory”, literally translates to “place of fruits,” “place of sweets,” and “place of beautiful wonders.” Vijayawada, the third largest city in Andhra Pradesh, has been ranked as the sixth cleanest city in India in a government-sponsored Swachh Bharat study. Vijayawada, which is situated on the banks of the beautiful Krishna River, is bounded by the Indrakeeladri Hills on the west and the Budameru River on the north.
7. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Ahmedabad is one of the most important cities of Gujarat. It is a rapidly expanding metropolis, an industrial hub, a center of higher education and a city with a glorious past. Despite so many developments, Ahmedabad is still considered to be the seventh cleanest city in India. The success of his door-to-door garbage collection earned him the distinction of being the cleanest “big city” in the country. Ahmedabad, the historic capital of Gujarat, is situated on the banks of the holy Sabarmati River and is fast becoming a popular tourist destination due to its delicious cuisine and vibrant culture.
8. Delhi
Delhi, the capital of India, is a multicultural metropolis that is home to both modern New Delhi and ancient Old Delhi. Delhi is known for one heart and many personalities. It has everything from historic sites to bustling shopping centres, a vast network of technologically advanced metro systems to the Delhi University campus. The city has defied all odds and has been declared as one of the top ten cleanest cities in India, contrary to all predictions.
9. Vizag, Andhra Pradesh
A port region like Visakhapatnam is undoubtedly famous for its beautiful, lush green beaches. The Bay of Bengal and majestic hills surround the city of Vizag on three sides. Yarada beach is one of the best features of Vizag beaches as it is much less crowded and cleaner than other famous beaches around the Indian coastline. It is the ideal place to relax on the golden beaches and enjoy the spectacular sunrise or sunset.
10. Vadodara, Gujarat
Gujarat is home to the international city of Vadodara or Baroda. ‘Vadodara’ is home to some of the most splendid examples of architecture, a fitting tribute to the Maratha king Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III, who had the vision to transform this large city into an educational, industrial and commercial hub. It is currently considered as one of the ten cleanest cities in India.