Context:

Recently, Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav Confers Awards to Cities Under Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Awards & Wetland Cities Recognition Ceremony 2025

National Clean Air Programme Awards:

The NCAP awards were given to cities that demonstrated outstanding commitment and innovation in advancing the mission of clean air. The awards were presented in three categories based on population:

•  Category 1 (population over 10 lakh): Indore secured the first rank with a score of 200 out of 200, followed by Jabalpur (2nd rank) and Agra and Surat (3rd rank).
• Category 2 (population between 3 and 10 lakh): Amravati secured the first rank with a score of 200 out of 200, followed by Jhansi and Moradabad (2nd rank) and Alwar (3rd rank).
• Category 3 (population under 3 lakh): Dewas secured the first rank with a score of 193 out of 200, followed by Parwanoo (2nd rank) and Angul (3rd rank).

Wetland City Accreditation under Ramsar Convention

Recognized Cities:Indore and Udaipur- Accredited as Wetland Cities by Ramsar Convention Secretariat

·        India now has 91 Ramsar sites (up from 25 in 2014), Largest number in Asia, 3rd highest globally

About National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in January 2019 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), aims to reduce Particulate Matter (PM) levels by up to 40% by 2025-26  in 131 identified cities.

·        It adopts a multi-sectoral, collaborative approach, requiring cities to implement action plans targeting pollution from transport, industry, agriculture, and waste.

·        NCAP emphasizes expanding the National Ambient Air Quality (NAAQ) monitoring network, raising public awareness, and leveraging resources through convergence with other government schemes and state-level efforts.

·        The programme promotes data-driven, sustainable solutions for cleaner, healthier urban air across India.

Key Achievements under NCAP

·         Air Quality Improvement:

o    103 out of 130 NCAP cities improved PM10 levels

o    64 cities achieved 20% reduction (2017–18 to 2024–25)

o    25 cities achieved 40% reduction in PM10

Schemes for Wetland Protection

·         Mission Amrit Sarovar:

o    Rejuvenation of water bodies across districts

·         Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment):

o    Public movement for adopting eco-friendly lifestyles

o    One of its key themes: Save Water

Role of Lakes:

o    Cover 4.7% of India’s area; 2/3 outside forest regions

o    Critical for flood control, cultural value, and biodiversity

o    Act as “kidneys” of the environment

Conclusion:

The Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Awards & Wetland Cities Recognition awards recognize the efforts of cities that have made significant progress in improving air quality and protecting wetlands. The government's initiatives and achievements under the NCAP demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable development and clean air for every citizen.