SYLLABUS

GS-3: Environment Conservation and environmental pollution. 

Context: 

Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change organised the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2025 Awards in New Delhi to honour the best-performing cities under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). 

Key highlights of the Ceremony 

• The Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Awards 2025 recognised the achievements of 11 out of 130 NCAP cities for their exceptional commitment and innovation in improving air quality.

• These awards are presented annually to the best-performing National Clean Air Campaign NCAP cities in three categories based on population. 

• Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan: It is a mechanism conducted annually for 130 cities under NCAP and is a rigorous, multi-tiered evaluation promoting healthy competition to improve air quality.

• Wetland Cities: Indore and Udaipur were conferred the status of Wetland Cities under the Ramsar Convention for their efforts in conserving urban wetlands.

• NCAP’s visible progress: Of 103 cities reporting improved PM 10 levels, 64 achieved a 20% reduction and 25 cities recorded a 40% reduction from 2017–18 levels.

• Strengthening Local Action: The Minister released  Ward-Level Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Guidelines for citizen engagement and a Compendium of Best Practices under NCAP to guide replication of successful strategies.

• The Government’s broader environmental vision was highlighted through key initiatives:

• Mission Amrit Sarovar for rejuvenation of water bodies.
• Ek Ped Maa ke Naam campaign to plant 75 crore trees.
• Mission LiFE to promote sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyles.

Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Awards 2025 

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

• NCAP was launched in January 2019 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), to improve air quality at the city, regional and national levels.
• NCAP aims to reduce particulate matter (PM) concentrations in over 130 cities.

• Targets of NCAP:

• Initial Target: 20–30% reduction in PM10 concentrations by 2024–25, compared to 2017–18 levels.
• Revised Target: Up to 40% reduction in PM10 levels or achieve national standards (60 µg/m³) by 2025–26.

City-Specific Goals: 4–15% reduction in annual PM10 concentrations through city-specific action plans.

• PRANA Portal (Portal for Regulation of Air-pollution in Non-Attainment cities): Developed to track implementation of NCAP and monitor physical and financial progress of cities.

Source:
pib
DD News
Prana
Free Press Journal