Why In News?
- Union Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the results of the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023 (clean air survey) in Bhopal, with Indore, Madhya Pradesh, claiming the top spot among million-plus population cities.
- The survey, in its second year, included 130 identified cities under the National Clean Air Programme.
- Agra, Uttar Pradesh, secured the second rank, followed by Thane, Maharashtra, in third place.
- The awards were categorized by city population size based on the 2011 census.
- In the three to ten lakh population category, Amravati, Maharashtra, secured the top rank.
- Himachal Pradesh towns Parwanoo and Kala Amb took the lead among cities with under three lakh population, with Angul, Odisha, in third place.
- Cities were evaluated on various factors related to air quality, with a shift in rankings compared to the previous year.
What is Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan, and why is it significant?
- Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan is an initiative to assess air quality in Indian cities. It’s significant as it promotes clean air and tracks improvements.
Why did Indore secure the top rank in the million-plus population category?
- Indore excelled in controlling multiple air pollutants, reducing emissions, and enhancing public awareness, earning it the top spot.
How does the assessment process work for Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan?
- Urban local bodies submit self-assessment reports, vetted by Air Quality Monitoring Committees and evaluated by CPCB for rankings.
What changes were observed in the rankings compared to the 2022 survey?
- In 2023, cities in Uttar Pradesh, which topped the list in 2022, saw lower rankings, reflecting changing air quality efforts.
What factors were considered in assessing the cities’ air quality?
- Cities were evaluated based on factors like solid waste control, vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, and improvement in PM10 levels.
What are the implications of this survey for India’s efforts to combat air pollution?
- The survey provides insights into the effectiveness of clean air programs and highlights areas where further efforts are needed.