Indore, the reigning champion of cleanliness for seven consecutive years, will no longer compete in the Swachh Survekshan rankings with other cities.

During a high-level meeting organized by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, it was decided that top-performing cities like Indore, Surat, and Navi Mumbai will now compete in an exclusive 'Golden Club' category.

Indore's remarkable record in sanitation and waste segregation, driven by both civic authorities and local NGOs, has set a benchmark in urban cleanliness. Residents of Indore have played a crucial role, working tirelessly to maintain high standards of hygiene, which helped the city secure the 'Cleanest City' title for seven consecutive years.

The introduction of the 'Golden Club' aims allow cities that have yet to perform well to aim for top positions in the regular Swachh Survekshan category, fostering better sanitation practices, improved waste management, and cleaner water bodies.

The addition of this new category is further intended to push even the best cities to elevate their efforts in maintaining cleanliness, while giving emerging cities a fair chance to rise in the rankings.