Indian cities often seem like a blend of vibrant culture and chaos. In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed to change this perception. He launched the “Swachh Bharat Mission,” or “Clean India Mission,” to encourage cleanliness across the nation.
Since 2016, India has hosted the annual Swachh Survekshan survey. This survey ranks cities on cleanliness based on various factors, including citizen feedback and waste management practices. Over the years, many cities have attempted to improve, but one city, Indore, stands out as a shining example of effective cleanliness practices.
Indore, located in Madhya Pradesh, was initially ranked 25th out of 434 cities when the survey began. However, it surprised everyone in 2017 when it was declared India’s cleanest city. For the past seven years, Indore has held onto this title. In 2022, it became the first city in India to earn a “Seven-star Certified Waste-Free City” designation. In 2023, Indore was also recognized for having clean air among cities with over a million residents.
Things were different in Indore not long ago. The city used to be littered with waste, especially in popular areas like the Sarafa night food market. But today, visitors are amazed by the city’s cleanliness. There is no littering or stray animals on the streets. Residents use designated garbage bins for wet and dry waste, making the environment much cleaner.
Children and young adults in Indore participate actively in cleanliness efforts. For example, songs played by garbage collection trucks signal residents to throw out their waste, turning the trash collection process into a community event. These efforts represent the hard work of the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC), which has developed a comprehensive waste management system.
The IMC ensures that garbage from homes and businesses is collected separately. Wet waste is turned into compost and biogas, while dry waste is sorted and sent to recycling facilities. This integrated system fosters community involvement and keeps Indore clean.
Every day, Indore generates about 1,200 tons of waste. To tackle this, the IMC deploys 850 trucks for door-to-door garbage collection. The trucks are equipped with GPS to track their routes, and employees work alongside community representatives to encourage proper waste disposal.
Initially, getting residents to separate their garbage wasn’t easy. Many were unaware of the benefits of sorting waste. The IMC addressed this by explaining the importance of segregation and implementing penalties for those who refused to cooperate. And it worked—many residents now embrace these practices.
Indore’s waste pickers, once viewed as a challenge to cleanliness, have been integrated into the waste management system. Today, they play a crucial role in maintaining the city’s cleanliness and wear official uniforms as part of their duties.
The city has also put strict regulations in place. Shopkeepers must provide sufficient garbage bins, and those who fail to do so face fines. Plastic bags have been banned to reduce litter, and customers are encouraged to use cloth bags instead.
Another innovative approach is the city’s waste categorization. Indore has expanded its waste classification to include six categories. This thorough sorting allows for better recycling and management, generating funds that support the city’s cleanliness initiatives.
Thanks to these efforts, Indore has become a model for other cities facing similar waste management challenges. Officials from across India visit Indore to learn from its success. Uttar Pradesh has even announced plans to implement strategies similar to the Indore model in its municipalities.
Residents of Indore are proud of their success, but they understand that maintaining cleanliness is an ongoing effort. With new goals set by the IMC, Indore aims to continue setting high standards in urban cleanliness, proving that large cities can thrive without the burden of garbage.
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