Swachh Survekshan 2025: These are India's top 10 filthiest cities

Even after a decade of initiatives under the ‘Swachh Bharat Mission,’ several urban centers are still far from the vision of a neat and clean India. Here we take a look at the 10 dirtiest cities in India as per the Swachh Survekshan 2025 report. The list reflects the dark reality of Indian states while they grapple with poor sanitation and waste management.

Rank 01| Madurai

Madurai, often called the 'City of Temples,' has been ranked at the top of the Swachh Survekshan rankings for cities with populations over one million. The city managed to earn just 4,823 points as it continues to grapple with serious sanitation and waste disposal issues.

Rank 02| Ludhiana

Ludhiana, one of Punjab's major industrial centers, has been placed second on the list with a score of 5,272. The pace of its industrial expansion seems to have outpaced the development of its civic amenities.

Rank 03| Chennai

'Singara' Chennai takes up the third place with a score of 6,822. Despite continued efforts for waste segregation and recycling, the city’s challenges suggest that implementation and enforcement of these initiatives remain insufficient.

Rank 04| Ranchi

With a score of 6,835, Ranchi ranks fourth but still faces ongoing difficulties in garbage disposal and maintaining public sanitation.

Rank 05| Bengaluru

India's Silicon City, Bengaluru, is positioned fifth on the list. Despite its prominence in the global tech arena, Bengaluru’s unplanned urban expansion and uneven waste management have contributed to ongoing civic problems.

Rank 06| Dhanbad

With a score of 7,196, Dhanbad ranks sixth on the list. The city that is famous for its coal mining industry continues to struggle with industrial pollution and poorly planned urban growth.

Rank 07| Faridabad

Seventh place has been taken by Faridabad, which scored 7,329. The city remains loaded with issues of poor solid waste management and inadequate public hygiene. Despite its industrial prominence, Faridabad continue to struggle with the sanitation demands.

Rank 08| Greater Mumbai

Greater Mumbai sits in the eighth spot and scores 7,419. The city struggles with persistent issues in waste management, overcrowding and public sanitation.

Rank 09| Srinagar

Ranked ninth with a score of 7,488, Srinagar’s struggles with cleanliness are largely due to its inadequate infrastructure.

Rank 10| Delhi

The national capital, Delhi, rounds off the top 10 list of Swachh Survekshan 2025. With a score of 7,920, the city remains troubled by air and waste pollution.