As part of its nationwide cleanliness assessment, the Government of India has released the Swachh Survekshan 2025 rankings – a key indicator of urban hygiene and waste management. The survey claims to have covered 4589 cities and towns, involving around 3000 surveyors and engaged more than 14 Crore people. While in the latest rankings though many cities have improved their positions, some continue to face major sanitation and waste management challenges.
This list highlights the Top 10 Dirtiest Cities in India (2025) — giving an insight into how rapid urbanisation and weak civic systems affect cleanliness at a national level.
1. Madurai
The temple city in the Southern part of India struggles with waste segregation and street cleanliness, as urban growth outpaces civic management.
2. Ludhiana
Rapid industrial expansion has led to mounting pollution and inconsistent municipal upkeep.
3. Chennai
Despite its economic prominence, Chennai, Southern city of India faces severe plastic waste and drainage blockages.
4. Ranchi
Jharkhand’s capital continues to battle sanitation gaps and weak waste collection infrastructure.
5. Bengaluru
India’s tech hub and another south Indian city is under pressure from construction waste, traffic pollution, and poor civic coordination.
6. Dhanbad
The coal capital of India faces chronic air and land pollution, with limited solid waste treatment.
7. Faridabad
Part of the NCR region, Faridabad struggles with garbage disposal, sewage flow, and declining air quality.
8. Mumbai
As India’s most populous city, Mumbai faces major challenges in waste collection, sanitation, and infrastructure limits.
9. Srinagar
The scenic capital of Jammu & Kashmir suffers from poor waste management and clogged drains, especially during tourist seasons.
10. Delhi
The national capital continues to struggle with air pollution, sewage management, and overburdened civic systems.
💡 Global Context
Urban sanitation remains a worldwide issue — from India to Africa to Latin America, growing cities face similar challenges in managing waste, sewage, and pollution. India’s 2025 rankings reflect a global trend where industrialisation often outpaces sustainable civic planning.
✅ The Way Forward
To build cleaner cities, experts recommend:
- Door-to-door waste collection
- Stricter segregation and recycling
- Public participation & awareness
- Adoption of smart sanitation technologies
Sources:
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Swachh Survekshan 2025
- Press Information Bureau (PIB) India
- Local Municipal Reports
Leave a Reply