The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (Swachh Vayu Diwas) was observed on 07.09.24 at Jaipur in the august presence of Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav and Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma. The event was also graced by Minister of State for Forest, Environment & Climate Change of Government of Rajasthan, Shri Sanjay Sharma and Union Minister of State Urban Development and Local Self Government of Government of Rajasthan, Shri Jhabar Singh Kharra. Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board was  the host for this year’s observance.

On this occasion, an engaging video capturing the essence of NCAP program, contributions of the agencies involved and resulting improvements in air quality in 131 NCAP cities was displayed. It was informed that focused actions, convergence of resources and effective monitoring have shown positive results with declining trends of air pollution in 95 cities. 51 cities have shown reduction in PM10 levels by more than 20% with respect to base year 2017-18 and 21 of these cities have achieved a reduction of more than 40%.

A document titled ‘Compendium on Viable Technologies and Practices: Lessons from NCAP cities’, showcasing examples of initiatives undertaken by cities to improve air quality in line with local contexts and requirements, was released. Besides, 100 sapling under "Ek Ped Maa ke Naam", campaign were also planted at the ‘Matri Van’, Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Swachh Vayu Survekshan Awards were presented to the best performing NCAP cities under Category-1 (population over 10 Lakhs) to Surat, Jabalpur, and Agra; Category-2 (population between  3 and 10 Lakhs) to Firozabad, Amravati, and Jhansi; and Category-3 (population under 3 Lakhs) to Raebareli, Nalgonda, and Nalagarh. The Municipal Commissioners of winner cities were awarded   with cash prizes, trophy, and certificate.

Congratulating the winning cities and encouraging the other NCAP cities, Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav emphasized on the need for multi- stakeholder partnerships, bolstering investment in Clean Air Now and embracing our shared responsibility to address air pollution. He reminded the gathering that ‘Nature gives us its best; in return, we should give nature our best’.

He also commended cities including smaller cities & towns on taking various strategic initiatives such as Central Command Monitoring Facility for air    quality forecasting, Jan Bhagidari initiatives, technical interventions, etc. for improving air quality. It is the collective effort of all the agencies involved that the air quality has improved in most of the NCAP cities since the base year 2017.

He motivated young scientists, researcher and students   to participate in the Ideas4LiFE campaign and submit innovative ideas/ solutions on seven Mission LiFE themes, namely, Save Water, Save Energy, Reduce Waste, Reduce E-waste, Say No To Single Use Plastic, Adopt Sustainable Food Systems and Adopt Healthy Lifestyles.

He reasserted commitment to realize the Prime Minister’s vision for Mission LiFE and improving environmental quality in the country. He congratulated the Government of Rajasthan for massive  tree plantation drive and express gratitude for hosting the day.

On the occasion of Swachh Vayu Diwas, Union Environment Minister also chaired the 4th meeting of Apex Committee of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in Jaipur. He also planted sapling in Jaipur.

In his address, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, reinforced the Prime Minister’s call for a cleaner and greener environment, as demonstrated through various schemes and initiatives, such as Swachh Bharat Mission and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’. He informed that more than 07 crore saplings have been planted in the State  and thanked all the departments involved for their enthusiastic work.

He emphasized that culturally, we are conserving society, revere nature and worship our rivers. We should keep this in mind and strive to embrace a more holistic, eco-friendly lifestyle. Focusing on the theme of this year’s observance- 'Invest in Clean Air Now,' he emphasized on the need to invest our time, resources, and efforts to ensure clean air and an improved quality of life. He informed various actions taken in the State of Rajasthan for improving air quality, with focus on the five non-attainment cities. He announced that State will be preparing a ‘Green Growth Budget’ and electric buses are planned to ply on important intercity and intracity routes.

The event was attended by Chairmen and Member Secretaries of SPCBs/PCCs, Municipal Commissioners from NCAP cities, officials from Central & State governments and Urban Local Bodies, Experts, students, exhibitors and numerous virtual attendees.

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NB/GS