Surat has emerged as the top major city in India for air quality improvements, according to the recently announced results of the Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024. The Union Environment Ministry presented the “National Clean Air City” Awards during a national workshop celebrating the “International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies” in Jaipur. Jabalpur and Agra followed closely behind Surat, securing the second and third positions respectively among cities with a population exceeding 10 lakh.
The awards recognize cities that have demonstrated significant progress in improving their air quality through various innovative practices. Cities were evaluated based on the implementation of activities outlined in their city action plans and the overall air quality improvement achieved.
In the category of cities with populations between three lakh and 10 lakh, Firozabad (UP), Amravati (Maharashtra), and Jhansi (UP) were declared as the best performers. Raebareli (UP), Nalgonda (Telangana), and Nalagarh (Himachal Pradesh) topped the list for cities with populations under three lakh.
The Swachh Vayu Survekshan, an initiative by the Ministry, aims to rank cities based on their efforts to combat air pollution. The program encourages cities to implement strategies aimed at reducing air pollution levels. Some of the key initiatives highlighted include:
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Paving Roads:
This helps to minimize dust emissions caused by unpaved roads.*
Promoting Mechanical Sweeping:
Regular mechanical sweeping of streets helps to collect dust and other particulate matter, reducing their presence in the air.*
Bioremediation of Legacy Waste:
This involves using biological processes to treat contaminated soil and water, reducing the potential for air pollution from these sources.*
Solid Waste Management:
Effective solid waste management practices, such as proper collection, sorting, and disposal, contribute to a cleaner environment.*
Converting Reclaimed Land into Green Spaces:
Transforming previously contaminated land into green spaces helps to absorb pollutants and improve air quality.*
Greenbelt Development:
Establishing greenbelts around cities provides a buffer against air pollution and improves overall air quality.*
Intelligent Traffic Management Systems:
These systems can help to optimize traffic flow, reducing congestion and associated emissions.*
Miyawaki Afforestation:
This method involves planting a high density of native trees in a small area, creating dense, self-sustaining forests that can effectively absorb pollutants and enhance air quality.The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched in 2019 with the ambitious goal of reducing particulate pollution by 20-30 percent by 2024, using 2017 as the base year. This target was later revised to a 40 percent reduction by 2026, with 2019-20 serving as the new base year. The program currently focuses on 131 non-attainment cities, those which consistently failed to meet national ambient air quality standards between 2011 and 2015.
The success of cities like Surat in achieving significant improvements in air quality demonstrates the potential of collaborative efforts and innovative strategies in combating air pollution. This recognition serves as an inspiration for other cities to adopt similar practices and work towards cleaner air and a healthier environment for all.
