AI Generated Summary
- Amritsar has shown steady progress in its journey towards becoming a cleaner city, securing the 30th position in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25, a nationwide cleanliness survey conducted annually by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
- A change in the ranking methodology in 2022-23—when cities were compared within a larger pool of those having populations above one lakh—led to a sharp drop to 142nd place.
- “Achieving the Water+ certification is a major milestone in making Amritsar a model for sustainable urban sanitation,” he said.
Amritsar has shown steady progress in its journey towards becoming a cleaner city, securing the 30th position in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25, a nationwide cleanliness survey conducted annually by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). This marks a modest yet significant improvement from last year’s 32nd rank, reflecting the city’s ongoing efforts in sanitation and waste management.
The Swachh Survekshan, considered India’s largest urban cleanliness assessment, ranks cities based on waste disposal, public participation, sanitation infrastructure and sustainable practices. Amritsar competes in the category of cities with a population of over 10 lakh.
A Journey of Gradual Progress
Amritsar’s ranking history highlights a slow but steady climb in cleanliness standards. The city held the 39th rank in 2019-20, improving to 34th in 2020-21 and 32nd in 2021-22. However, a change in the ranking methodology in 2022-23—when cities were compared within a larger pool of those having populations above one lakh—led to a sharp drop to 142nd place. Since then, the Municipal Corporation Amritsar (MCA) has stepped up its efforts, regaining ground to reach the current 30th position.
Water+ Certification: A Step Towards Sustainability
In addition to its improved ranking, Amritsar has also been awarded the Water+ certification, a recognition given to cities that ensure effective wastewater management. This means that the city now treats all its wastewater before discharge and reuses recycled water, reducing its environmental footprint.
Municipal Commissioner Gulpreet Singh Aulakh credited this achievement to regular sanitation drives, upgraded waste disposal systems, public participation, and adoption of modern waste management practices. “Achieving the Water+ certification is a major milestone in making Amritsar a model for sustainable urban sanitation,” he said.
Future Goals
Health Officer Dr. Kiran Kumar emphasized that the city aims to further improve its standing in future Swachh Survekshan surveys. “We are focusing on enhancing sanitation infrastructure, spreading public awareness, and encouraging community involvement to take Amritsar even higher in the rankings,” he stated.
With these consistent efforts, Amritsar is not only improving its cleanliness standards but is also moving towards becoming an environmentally responsible city.
