- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Fri, 18 Jul 2025 12:29 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a significant improvement, Kanpur has secured the 13th position in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 rankings among 48 cities with a population of over 10 lakh, as per the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The city has moved up five spots from last year’s 18th rank, reflecting progress in urban sanitation and cleanliness efforts.
In the national rankings, Ahmedabad secured the top position, followed by Bhopal in second place and Lucknow in third. Within Uttar Pradesh, Kanpur ranks fifth, while on the list of Ganga basin cities, Kanpur stands third among 32 cities located along the river.
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The Swachh Survekshan evaluation was based on public feedback and ground assessments conducted by the central team.
Factors considered included:
-Cleanliness of public and private toilets
-Open defecation-free (ODF) status
-Door-to-door garbage collection
-Waste disposal mechanisms
-Sewerage and water supply systems
-Urban development initiatives
Kanpur lagged slightly in city-wide door-to-door garbage collection, which is currently operational in about 80 per cent of 110 wards, according to Municipal Corporation data. Officials believe a complete rollout could have propelled the city into the top 10 nationally.
Kanpur’s waste management has seen notable improvements:
-The long-defunct garbage disposal plant was revived in January 2020 using municipal funds. It now produces fertiliser and Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF).
-Under the Smart City Mission, six modern garbage transfer stations have been set up to streamline direct waste transportation to processing plants.
-Decades-old accumulated waste has also been cleared from various sites.
Cleanliness Ranking Progress Over the Years:
-2018 – Rank 65
-2019 – Rank 63
-2020 – Rank 25
-2021 – Rank 21
-2022 – Rank 29
-2023 – Rank 18
-2024 – Rank 13
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The steady climb in rankings highlights Kanpur’s ongoing commitment to becoming a cleaner and more sustainable city, although full citywide implementation of sanitation reforms remains a goal.
