Hyderabad has appeared in a global ranking of poorly rated urban destinations for cleanliness, placing eighteenth in an assessment based on traveller feedback — a finding that underscores the widening gap between civic claims and visitor experience in one of India’s fastest-growing metros.
A study released by tourism logistics firm Radical Storage analysed reviews posted between October 2024 and November 2025 for major attractions in cities worldwide. The exercise scanned Google reviews for references to cleanliness, hygiene, and pollution, categorising them as positive or negative to create a “cleanliness score”. Hyderabad was the only Indian city to feature among the lowest-ranked global locations, alongside several prominent European destinations. Urban planners say the results reflect more than aesthetic concerns. “Cleanliness is increasingly seen as a marker of liveability and economic competitiveness,” a senior city development official noted. With Hyderabad positioning itself as an investment hub for technology, pharmaceuticals, and green innovation, perceptions of urban hygiene carry reputational weight. Tourism industry representatives added that visitor feedback often mirrors deeper structural issues related to waste management, public-space maintenance, and uneven municipal capacity.
Civic authorities have in recent years announced multiple initiatives to improve sanitation, including expanded mechanised sweeping, decentralised waste collection, and campaigns promoting behavioural change. However, experts argue that the pace of urbanisation has outstripped these efforts. Population growth, congested high-density neighbourhoods, and rising construction activity continue to strain existing systems. “Cities tend to fall behind when infrastructure upgrades do not keep pace with demographic and economic expansion,” said an urban governance researcher. The survey’s methodology, anchored in sentiment analysis rather than physical audits, has also sparked debate. Some officials cautioned that such rankings can amplify anecdotal impressions. Even so, analysts emphasise that perception-based assessments increasingly influence travel decisions and global city indices. For developing urban economies, they said, ignoring such signals risks undermining long-term ambitions for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Hyderabad’s position in the study also invites a wider reflection on how Indian cities can move towards cleaner, more equitable urban environments. Waste segregation remains inconsistent, informal settlements lack adequate sanitation infrastructure, and public spaces often fall short on accessibility and maintenance standards — all of which disproportionately affect marginalised groups. Strengthening these fundamentals, experts argue, is essential not just for improving scores but for ensuring healthier and more resilient neighbourhoods. For a city that aspires to lead India’s transition towards low-carbon, future-ready urbanism, the findings serve as a reminder that cleanliness is integral to sustainability. As cities compete globally for talent, tourism, and green investment, the path forward will require not only infrastructure upgrades but also community participation and transparent governance. If addressed strategically, the setback could become an opportunity for Hyderabad to reimagine its public spaces and advance towards a cleaner, more inclusive urban future.
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Hyderabad Faces Global Alarm Over City Cleanliness
