Swachh Survekshan 2024–25: Bengaluru shines in waste collection and cleanliness, but lags in public sanitation
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Karnataka's largest urban civic body, has played a key role in this turnaround. The city has also bagged the 15th spot within the state, reflecting BBMP's renewed thrust on sanitation, waste management, and public hygiene. In fact, in 2019, Bengaluru had ranked 194 in the list of cleanest cities.
The city achieved 99% door-to-door waste collection, with 82% of households participating in source segregation and 81% of waste being processed relative to generation.
Residential areas in Bengaluru scored a perfect 100% on cleanliness, while market areas and waterbodies followed closely with 97% and 93% respectively, reflecting high citizen engagement and operational efficiency in core sanitation services.
However, the city's performance is sharply undercut by its 0% score in dumpsite remediation and a dismal 27% for public toilet cleanliness.
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BOX: Five reasons why Bengaluru's rankings improved:
1. Door-to-door waste collection: Bengaluru achieved near-universal door-to-door collection of waste, demonstrating strong coverage and operational efficiency across wards and residential layouts
2. Source segregation: The city was successful in promoting awareness and enforcement around waste segregation at source, with a high compliance rate among households
3. Waste processing: A robust waste management backend enabled Bengaluru to process 81% of the waste it generates, reducing landfill dependency and improving overall hygiene
4. Cleanliness of residential areas: Citizen feedback and field assessments indicate Bengaluru's residential zones are well-maintained
5. Cleanliness of market areas and waterbodies: Shows high cleanliness levels, suggesting targeted sanitation efforts in high-footfall areas
Quotes:
Padmashree Balaram, president of Koramangala 1st Block Residents' Association
"Bengaluru performed extremely well this year and achieved the Water+ certification.
However, we are still lagging in achieving ODF+ status. To improve further, we need to enhance toilet facilities and ensure greater public access. If we address these gaps, our ranking should rise significantly next year. We are hopeful of securing at least a 1-star rating in the next survey."
Odette Katrak, founder of Beautiful Bharat
"It should be good news for Bengaluru that our Swachh Survekshan ranking has increased, yet it will bring greater joy to see cleaner public spaces year-round, without the black spots or dumped garbage we see in corners everywhere. Bengaluru has active SWM volunteers, and with a strong partnership with BBMP ensuring better segregation and collection, it is possible to fix this and aim for being in the top 10 next year!"
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