Pimpri Chinchwad named Maharashtra’s cleanest city in Swachh Survekshan survey
Civic activists and opposition leaders have questioned the recognition as they point to waste management issues in the city.
Pimpri Chinchwad has been named Maharashtra’s cleanest city in the Swachh Survekshan 2025–26 survey conducted by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, according to The Times of India. The city secured first place in the state for cities with a population exceeding one million. The award was presented at a ceremony in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Pimpri Chinchwad Mayor Ravi Landge said the award is a tribute to collective efforts and the participation of citizens and sanitation workers. Civic Commissioner Vijay Suryavanshi stated that the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) focused on waste segregation at source, scientific processing, and the use of technology to make the sanitation system more effective.
However, activist Manav Kamble described the award as shocking, noting that heaps of garbage are visible in several corners of the city and citing a mishap at the Moshi garbage depot. Another activist, Maruti Bhapkar, said the parameters and reasons for the award should be made public so taxpayers can understand why the civic body was selected.
In Pune, Congress leader Prashant Jagtap claimed the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) performance had deteriorated, slipping from eighth place in 2024–25 to 12th in 2025–26. Jagtap said the civic body's claims regarding solid waste management were hollow as it did not receive any major awards.
The ministry evaluated local bodies across 43 indicators, including waste collection, sanitation access, and citizen feedback. PMC Additional Commissioner Prajit Nair said officials would analyse the performance and take steps to improve once the detailed parameter-wise report is received.