The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) recently unveiled the results for the first (April-June) and second (July-September) quarters of Swachh Survekshan 2020. This event is in its 5th year of conducting an annual survey on urban cleanliness across India. The purpose of the survey is to evaluate the progress of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) through an online Management Information System (MIS).
Methodology and Assessment
The assessment of Swachh Survekshan 2020 takes place every quarter, with each city’s results being evaluated based on the monthly updates of the SBM-U and feedback from citizens on 12 service level indicators. The survey is divided into three quarters: April – June, July – September, and October – December of 2019. These quarterly assessments carry a weightage of 25% in the annual survey which began on 4th January 2020.
Distribution of Ranks
Ranks for Swachh Survekshan 2020 are distributed based on two population categories: cities with a population of 1 lakh and above, which are further divided into sub-categories of 1-10 lakh, and 10 lakhs and above. Cities with a population of less than 1 lakh are ranked based on their zones and population size namely – North, East, Northeast, South, and West.
Cleanliness Performers
Top Cleanest Cities
In this quarter’s results, Indore (Madhya Pradesh) and Jamshedpur (Jharkhand) have emerged as leaders in cleanliness amongst cities with over 10 lakh population and with 1 lakh to 10 lakh population respectively. Both these cities have managed to hold onto the top position for two consecutive quarters.
Least Clean City
On the other hand, Kolkata fell at the bottom of the ranking of 49 major cities, as West Bengal did not participate in the nationwide survey.
Cantonment Boards Performance
In terms of cantonment boards, St.Thomas Mount Cantt in Tamil Nadu was ranked 1st in the first quarter. Delhi Cantt took over the top position in the second quarter. However, Secunderabad Cantonment Board in Hyderabad was identified as the worst performer among other cantonment boards.
Quick Facts
| City | Rank(1st Quarter) | Rank (2nd Quarter) |
|---|---|---|
| Indore | 1 | 1 |
| Jamshedpur | 1 | 1 |
| Kolkata | 49 | 49 |
| St.Thomas Mount Cantt | 1 | N/A |
| Delhi Cantt | N/A | 1 |
| Secunderabad Cantonment Board | Last | Last |
(Source: The Hindu)
Effect of the Survey
The results of the Swachh Survekshan 2020 are instrumental in identifying the cities that have been successful in maintaining cleanliness and those which need immediate attention. The survey plays a critical role in encouraging cities to work on their sanitation and hygiene standards. The ultimate goal is to bring clean and sustainable cities to life under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024