India Celebrates Swachh Vayu Diwas with NCAP Awards 2024

India celebrated Clean Air Day on September 7, 2024, in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The event, also known as Swachh Vayu Diwas, aimed to encourage investment in clean air. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has made significant progress in 131 cities.

International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies 2024

Observed on September 7, 2024, in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Also known as Swachh Vayu Diwas in India
Theme: "Invest in clean air now"
Attended by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma
Hosted by Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board
Part of a UN resolution passed in December 2019
First observed worldwide in 2020

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) Achievements

Video presentation showcasing NCAP progress in 131 cities
95 cities reported declining air pollution trends
51 cities achieved over 20% reduction in PM10 levels since 2017-18
21 cities surpassed 40% reduction in PM10 levels
Release of "Compendium on Viable Technologies and Practices: Lessons from NCAP cities"
NCAP launched in January 2019 to reduce air pollution in non-attainment cities
Covers 131 cities across 24 states and union territories
Targets: 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 by 2024, 40% reduction in PM10 by 2025-26 (base year 2017)

Swachh Vayu Survekshan Awards 2024

Awards presented in three categories based on population:

a) Category 1 (over 10 lakh population):

Winners: Surat (Gujarat), Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), Agra (Uttar Pradesh)

b) Category 2 (3-10 lakh population):

Winners: Firozabad (Uttar Pradesh), Amravati (Maharashtra), Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh)

c) Category 3 (under 3 lakh population):

Winners: Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh), Nalgonda (Telangana), Nalagarh (Himachal Pradesh)
Municipal Commissioners received cash prizes, trophies, and certificates
Awards recognize cities' efforts in reducing air pollution and improving air quality

Key Initiatives and Statements

Planting of 100 saplings under "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign at Jaipur's Matri Van

Union Minister Yadav emphasized:

- Need for multi-stakeholder partnerships
- Importance of investing in clean air
- Encouraged youth participation in Ideas4LiFE campaign

Rajasthan CM Sharma highlighted:

- Planting of over 7 crore saplings in the state
- Plans for electric buses and a 'Green Growth Budget'
- Importance of holistic eco-friendly lifestyles
4th meeting of NCAP's Apex Committee chaired by Minister Yadav
Focus on improving air quality in five non-attainment cities in Rajasthan

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