Himachal: Cleanliness audit begins in Shimla

During the survey, officials will carry out surprise inspections in all 34 wards of the city. The assessment will focus on door-to-door garbage collection, waste segregation, sewerage systems and the overall process of garbage disposal. The team is also interacting with residents to gather feedback on the efficiency of the civic body’s cleanliness mechanisms and sanitation services.

The findings of the inspection will contribute to the annual Swachh Survekshan rankings, which determine the cleanest cities in the country as well as state-wise standings.

Shimla Mayor Surender Chauhan said the civic body was fully cooperating with the survey team and had undertaken extensive cleanliness and awareness drives to improve the city’s performance this year. He expressed hope that Shimla would secure a significantly better position in the upcoming rankings to be released later this year.

The survey team is also expected to inspect the city’s solid waste management plant at Bharyal village during its visit.

Launched in 2016, Swachh Survekshan is conducted annually by the Quality Council of India to evaluate sanitation and hygiene standards in urban local bodies across the country.

Shimla had recorded a sharp fall in the rankings last year, slipping to 347th position nationally from 188th rank in 2024. The city was also ranked third among the cleanest cities in Himachal Pradesh in 2025.