Swachh Survekshan 2017 was the second edition of India’s massive cleanliness ranking. Over 4,000 cities and towns took part, all trying to climb the ladder of hygiene, waste management and civic pride. If you’re curious about which places topped the list, how they did it, and why it matters for everyday life, keep reading – we’ll break it down in plain language.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs scored cities on three pillars: service level progress, direct observation, and citizen feedback. Data came from on‑ground inspectors, independent third‑party agencies, and online surveys where residents rated their own neighbourhoods. Points were awarded for things like solid waste segregation, toilet coverage, open‑defecation free (ODF) status, and the condition of public spaces. The weightage was 70% on service data, 20% on field observation and 10% on citizen perception.
In 2017, Indore (Madhya Pradesh) retained the top spot, thanks to its efficient door‑to‑door waste collection, 100% segregation at source and a robust recycling network. Surat (Gujarat) followed, leveraging a smart‑bin system that alerted workers when bins were full, cutting collection delays dramatically. Smaller towns like Mysore and Tirupur impressed by focusing on community participation – they organized regular clean‑up drives, school programs, and used local NGOs to spread awareness.
What all winners had in common was a clear plan, data‑driven monitoring, and a strong link between the municipality and citizens. They didn’t just set up more dustbins; they taught people why separating waste matters and made sure the system could handle the extra effort.
Beyond the top five, many mid‑size cities improved by adopting low‑cost solutions: converting landfill sites into parks, using solar‑powered compactors, and rewarding households that consistently followed segregation rules. These moves not only boosted scores but also lowered long‑term waste disposal costs.
Challenges remained, however. Several northern towns struggled with seasonal flooding that disrupted waste collection, while some regions lacked enough trained staff to manage the surge in segregated waste. In many places, citizen feedback was low because people weren’t aware they could report issues online.
For everyday residents, the survey’s impact showed up in cleaner streets, fewer stray animals, and better public toilets. A cleaner environment translated into healthier lives – fewer water‑borne diseases and reduced air pollution from open burning of waste.
Looking ahead, Swachh Survekshan 2018 promised even stricter criteria, pushing cities to adopt circular economy practices like waste‑to‑energy plants and composting at the household level. The 2017 results proved that when local bodies, citizens, and technology work together, tangible change is possible.
So whether you live in a metro or a small town, the take‑away is simple: cleanliness isn’t just a government program, it’s a community effort. Keep an eye on local initiatives, participate in clean‑up events, and use the feedback portals – your voice can move a city up the Swachh Survekshan ranking.
Indore grabbed the spotlight as the cleanest city in India in the 2017 Swachh Survekshan survey, with Bhopal close behind. The rankings put Madhya Pradesh firmly on the map for its sanitation drive, as 434 cities competed based on waste management and citizen feedback.