Why in News
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change conferred the 5th Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Awards on best performing cities and wards on 7 September 2026. The date marks Swachh Vayu Diwas, held on the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.
What it is
- Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan: The Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan ranks cities on the actions they take to cut air pollution. It assesses all cities covered by the national clean air effort across three population based categories. Top performers receive cash prizes, trophies and a National Clean Air City certification.
- Parent programme: The survey sits under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). NCAP is the national framework to reduce particulate pollution through city specific action plans.
Static Context
- NCAP launch and scope: The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched in 2019. It covers 131 cities across 24 States that failed to meet national ambient air quality standards.
- Target: NCAP seeks a reduction in particulate matter of 10 micrometres (PM10) of up to 40 percent, or attainment of the national standard of 60 micrograms per cubic metre, by the financial year 2025 to 2026. The base year for measurement is the financial year 2017 to 2018.
- Funding: A sum of ₹19,614.44 crore was allocated to the 131 cities through the financial year 2025 to 2026.
- Performance record: In the financial year 2023 to 2024, 95 of 131 cities recorded improved air quality. 21 cities reported PM10 reductions above 40 percent.
- Air Quality Index gases: The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Indian cities is calculated on pollutants that include carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide.
[2016] In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?
1. Carbon dioxide
2. Carbon monoxide
3. Nitrogen dioxide
4. Sulfur dioxide
5. Methane.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
“[2015] Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so? (GS1, 12.5 marks)”
