The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) organized the Swachh Vayu Diwas 2026 today, on the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies. The event was presided over by Chairperson, National Green Tribunal (NGT), Justice Prakash Shrivastava as Chief Guest. Other dignitaries gracing the occasion included Secretary (EFCC), Shri Tanmay Kumar; Chairperson (CAQM), Shri Rajesh Verma; DG (Forest) and Special Secretary (EFCC), Shri Sushil Kumar Awasthi; Chairperson (CPCB), Shri Amandeep Garg; and AS (EFCC), Shri Ashutosh Agnihotri. Officials from Union Ministries, Multilateral organisations, Mayors, District Collectors and Municipal Commissioners of award-winning Cities and wards, besides officials from MoEFCC, CPCB and CAQM were present.

In his address, Justice Shrivastava appreciated the efforts of Union and State Governments under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). He stated that this is an occasion to recognise efforts made by cities/wards across the country to ensure the quality of air is maintained within the prescribed parameters. “The awardees have shown that clean air is not an aspiration but a practical goal that can be achieved with proper planning and ground level implementation”, he noted. The Chairperson highlighted that clean air is a fundamental need rather than a luxury. He stated, “Development and Environmental conservation are not at cross purposes but can go together while maintaining the quality of life for the citizens. It is the responsibility of each citizen to ensure that generations to come are able to live in a clean environment”.

Justice Shrivastava called air pollution a complex challenge as it doesn't know political boundaries and a multitude of sources contribute to it. The Chairperson stressed that the frontline institutions are the urban/rural local bodies that ensure the effective implementation of the National vision. With the Swachh Sarvekshan Awards, the Government recognises the efforts of all stakeholders in the field of air quality management, who put in efforts to ensure that the air quality remains within the prescribed limits, he stated. “It is essential that local bodies strive for prevention of pollution generation at source by making citizens aware; adopt latest technologies to tackle the issue; and engage in an all-inclusive and whole of society approach to address the issue”, he added.

In his address on the occasion, Secretary (EFCC), Shri Tanmay Kumar informed that the Government of India is taking a multi-pronged, coordinated and scientific approach towards tackling air pollution as per Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision. Public representatives are being incorporated in this mission to encourage participation of citizens to fight air pollution as well ensure capacity building of all stakeholders.

Shri Kumar talked about the NCAP that provides a framework where cities have their own strategies to ensure clean air, while the PRANA portal tracks various parameters of air quality management for 130 cities under NCAP. He said that fighting air pollution is a continuous programme, not a one-off activity. It requires a citizen-led movement in mission mode to achieve a clean environment for generations to come. He congratulated all the awardees for their efforts and encouraged them to make air quality management a jan-bhagidari movement.

Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Awards

On this occasion, MoEFCC awarded the best performing Cities and Wards under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), ranked as part of the 5th Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan. Swachh Vayu Survekshan Framework released in 2022-23 on measures taken by cities on road dust, SWM, vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, C&D waste management, other emissions (DG sets and commercial establishments), IEC activities.

The awards were based on participation and ranking of all 130 cities in 3 groups (Population below 3 Lakh; 3-10 Lakh; & above 10 Lakh), through the process involving self-assessment by cities, approval by State-level Monitoring Committee, evaluation by CPCB, field verification by Independent Committees and selection of 10 best performing cities.

List of Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Awardees

Achievements under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

During Swachh Vayu Diwas, progress and achievements made under the NCAP, a flagship initiative launched to improve air quality across 130 cities in 24 States/UTs, were highlighted.  A performance linked grant of ₹ 16,425 crore has been provided to 130 NCAP cities as critical gap funding to implement air pollution mitigation measures.

NCAP has shown positive results in terms of achieving reduction in PM10 levels in 2025-26 with respect to the levels of FY 2017-18:

• 108 out of 130 cities have shown improvement in PM10 levels.
• 72 cities have achieved reduction in PM10 concentrations of more than 20%.
• 26 cities have recorded reductions exceeding 40%.
• 14 cities have met National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

Compendium of Best Management Practices under NCAP

During the event, the Compendium of Best Management Practices under NCAP was released. It highlights best practices and successful air quality improvement measures implemented by cities and State Pollution Control Boards/Committees under NCAP, in various sectors namely, Road dust control, Vehicular pollution, industrial pollution, Solid and Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste management, Control of open burning, Greening, Use of technology and Public Outreach. These best practices would be helpful in replicating them by other cities and SPCBs.

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