India's Cities Recognized for Air Quality Improvements: Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024
In a significant recognition of efforts to combat air pollution, the Union Environment Ministry has presented the “National Clean Air City” Awards during the Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024. This event, held as part of a national workshop celebrating the “International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies” in Jaipur on Saturday, showcased the remarkable strides made by various Indian cities in improving their air quality.
The awards were categorized based on population size, acknowledging the unique challenges and achievements of cities across different scales.
These cities were recognized for their significant efforts in implementing air quality improvement measures.
The inclusion of smaller cities in the awards highlights the importance of air quality management across all urban scales in India.
The “Swachh Vayu Survekshan” is a pioneering initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Its primary objectives include:
This surveying and ranking system serves as a crucial tool for:
The awarded cities demonstrated significant improvements in air quality through various innovative and effective practices. Some of the notable activities include:
These multifaceted approaches highlight the comprehensive strategies cities are employing to tackle air pollution from various sources.
India launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 2019, marking a significant step towards addressing the country’s air quality challenges. The programme’s initial goals and subsequent revisions illustrate the government’s commitment to improving air quality:
This revision demonstrates an increased ambition and recognition of the need for more aggressive action to combat air pollution.
The NCAP currently focuses on 131 non-attainment cities. These are urban areas that consistently failed to meet national ambient air quality standards between 2011 and 2015. The program’s targeted approach allows for concentrated efforts in areas most in need of air quality improvements.
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