Dubai: Navi Mumbai has emerged as India’s cleanest city in the Swachh Survekshan 2025-26 rankings, climbing two places to claim the top spot in a prestigious national cleanliness competition long dominated by Indore.
Surat secured second place and Vijayawada finished third in the Super Swachh League category, marking a major achievement for Navi Mumbai, which had ranked third last year behind Indore and Surat.
However, Indore, which held the cleanest city title for eight consecutive years, competed in a different category this year under the newly introduced Swachh Shehar Jodi initiative.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards at a ceremony in New Delhi on Wednesday, recognising achievements in sanitation, waste management and urban cleanliness across the country.
More than 4,700 urban local bodies participated in the annual survey, according to the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry.
How Navi Mumbai reached No. 1
According to The Times of India, Navi Mumbai’s rise followed several years of sustained efforts to improve waste management, public sanitation and citizen participation.
Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation commissioner Kailas Shinde credited sanitation workers, civic employees, residents and elected representatives for the achievement.
The city adopted strict solid waste management practices, regular cleaning of roads and skywalks, and targeted sanitation drives in busy public areas.
