Swachh Vayu Diwas: India’s Commitment to Clean Air
September 7 is celebrated as International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies. In 2019, the United Nations General Assembly designated it the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, underscoring a growing global commitment to clean air. This initiative emphasises the urgent need for ongoing efforts to improve air quality and protect human health, with this year’s theme being “Invest in #CleanAirNow.”
In line with this global movement, India celebrates Swachh Vayu Divas on the same day, reinforcing its dedication to addressing the critical issue of air pollution. The challenges posed by rapid urbanisation and industrialisation demand immediate and effective action due to their severe impacts on public health and the environment. The Indian government is implementing a comprehensive range of strategies, including robust legislative measures, innovative technologies, and active community participation. Through these concerted efforts, India aims to create a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
Swachh Vayu Divas 2024
The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (Swachh Vayu Diwas) was celebrated on September 7, 2024, in Jaipur this year, with notable attendees including Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, and Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief Minister of Rajasthan.
During the celebration, it was highlighted that focused actions and effective resource convergence have resulted in positive outcomes under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), with air pollution levels declining in 95 cities. Remarkably, 51 of these cities under NCAP have achieved reductions in PM10 levels of over 20% compared to the baseline year of 2017-18, and 21 cities have reported reductions exceeding 40%.
In a bold and ambitious move to combat one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, the Government of India unveiled the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 2019. This flagship initiative aims to address the pervasive issue of air pollution across the country’s 131 cities in 24 States by engaging all stakeholders with a strategic, long-term approach. By setting a clear target of reducing Particulate Matter (PM10) concentrations by 20-30% by 2024-25 over baseline of 2017-18. Target has been revised to achieve reduction in PM10 level up to 40% or achievement of national standards (60 µg/m3) by 2025-26.
As cities and states grapple with the escalating impacts of pollution, this program is crucial in the quest for cleaner, healthier urban environments.
Due to efforts made under NCAP, 95 cities out of 131 cities have shown improvement in air quality in terms of annual PM10 concentrations in FY 2023-24 with respect to the baseline of FY 2017-18. 18 cities have met National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM10 (60 µg/m3) in FY 2023-24.
MoEF&CC conducts Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan – ranking of 131 cities covered under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) among three groups categorised based on population.
