The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) continues to grapple with persistent cleanliness issues, despite numerous admonitions from the Gujarat High Court. And, as sanitation woes mount, the city’s dream of achieving a 7-star rating under the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 seems to be slipping further away.

In Swachh Survekshan 2023, the city applied for a 5-star certificate but secured only a 3-star rating. 

Since then, authorities say they have made progress. The Municipal Commissioner has been authorised to take necessary actions to ensure a 7-star rating. AMC claims to have cleared 44 acres of an 84-acre garbage dump in Pirana. It has invested ₹5,318 crore in door-to-door waste collection. It has also outsourced sanitation services. It even hired consultants—at a cost of ₹1.25 crore—to help make Ahmedabad the cleanest city by 2026. 

Yet, residents report irregular waste collection, and overflowing rubbish heaps can be seen in several areas, including near the river, bridges, and underpasses.

The apparent disconnect between official claims and ground realities suggests that the AMC needs to reassess its strategies and implementation methods. Despite significant financial investments, achieving Ahmedabad’s ambitions of becoming a 7-star clean city remains a challenge.

As the 2026 deadline approaches, the city’s ability to bridge this gap will be crucial in determining whether its cleanliness goals are achievable or truly far-fetched.

Also read:

Ahmedabad to get 15 debris collection centres in different wards

Gujarat HC slams AMC, GPCB over continued pollution in Sabarmati