Nine best performing NCAP cities awarded on the occasion of International Day

Jaipur :8/9/24:The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (Swachh Vayu Diwas) was observed on 07.09.24 at Jaipur in the august presence of Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav and Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma. The event was also graced by Minister of State for Forest, Environment & Climate Change of Government of Rajasthan, Shri Sanjay Sharma and Union Minister of State Urban Development and Local Self Government of Government of Rajasthan, Shri Jhabar Singh Kharra. Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board was  the host for this year’s observance.

On this occasion, an engaging video capturing the essence of NCAP program, contributions of the agencies involved and resulting improvements in air quality in 131 NCAP cities was displayed. It was informed that focused actions, convergence of resources and effective monitoring have shown positive results with declining trends of air pollution in 95 cities. 51 cities have shown reduction in PM10 levels by more than 20% with respect to base year 2017-18 and 21 of these cities have achieved a reduction of more than 40%.A document titled ‘Compendium on Viable Technologies and Practices: Lessons from NCAP cities’, showcasing examples of initiatives undertaken by cities to improve air quality in line with local contexts and requirements, was released. Besides, 100 sapling under “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam”, campaign were also planted at the ‘Matri Van’, Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Swachh Vayu Survekshan Awards were presented to the best performing NCAP cities under Category-1 (population over 10 Lakhs) to Surat, Jabalpur, and Agra; Category-2 (population between  3 and 10 Lakhs) to Firozabad, Amravati, and Jhansi; and Category-3 (population under 3 Lakhs) to Raebareli, Nalgonda, and Nalagarh. The Municipal Commissioners of winner cities were awarded   with cash prizes, trophy, and certificate.

In his address, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, reinforced the Prime Minister’s call for a cleaner and greener environment, as demonstrated through various schemes and initiatives, such as Swachh Bharat Mission and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’. He informed that more than 07 crore saplings have been planted in the State  and thanked all the departments involved for their enthusiastic work.

The event was attended by Chairmen and Member Secretaries of SPCBs/PCCs, Municipal Commissioners from NCAP cities, officials from Central & State governments and Urban Local Bodies, Experts, students, exhibitors and numerous virtual attendees.