India is considered one of the dirtiest countries in the world, ranked 4th globally in terms of pollution and dirtiness in 2025. It faces severe challenges with air quality, water contamination, waste management, and poor hygiene practices. The situation includes polluted air, contaminated rivers, large amounts of garbage on streets, and widespread open defecation in many areas despite government campaigns like the Swachh Bharat Mission aimed at improving sanitation. These issues are compounded by social factors such as poverty, caste-based attitudes towards sanitation work, and insufficient infrastructure and cleanliness management. Although there have been efforts to improve, many parts of India still struggle with dirt and pollution that is notably worse than in many other countries.
