In Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, today, Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, as well as Labour and Employment, Shri Bhupender Yadav, announced the awards for Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023. In the first category, which includes cities with a population of over a million, Indore secured the top position, followed by Agra and Thane. In the second category (cities with a population of 3-10 lakhs), Amravati took the first rank, followed by Moradabad and Guntur. Similarly, in the third category (cities with a population of less than 3 lakhs), Parwanoo secured the first rank, followed by Kala Amb and Angul. Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan, was also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Yadav emphasized the importance of the 4th International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (Swachh Vayu Diwas 2023), which focuses on creating stronger partnerships, increasing investment, and sharing responsibility to combat air pollution with the global theme “Together for Clean Air.”
Shri Yadav recalled the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s commitment on August 15, 2020, to ensure clean air for all citizens, promising them a healthy and productive life. The government’s holistic approach aimed to improve air quality in over 100 cities. He highlighted the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in 2019 to systematically address air pollution at various scales across India. NCAP focuses on national, state, and city-level action plans for 131 identified cities, with the goal of enhancing air quality.
Shri Yadav also mentioned the PRANA portal, launched under NCAP, which monitors the implementation of action plans and shares best practices among cities. Additionally, he highlighted the “Mission LiFE” (Lifestyle for Environment) launched by Prime Minister Modi during UNFCCC COP 26 in Glasgow, promoting environmentally friendly lifestyles and fostering a global network of individuals committed to environmental conservation.
The Union Minister further emphasized the notification of waste management rules, including those for solid waste, plastic waste, e-waste, bio-medical waste, battery waste, construction & demolition waste, and hazardous waste, with a focus on Extended Producer Responsibility and the Polluter Pays Principle. He also mentioned the SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) scheme, which aims to establish Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) production plants and make CBG available as a green fuel in the market. Shri Yadav concluded by highlighting the statutory Commission for Air Quality Management for Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas, working comprehensively to manage air quality in the region.
