Bhubaneswar, Sept 12: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has earned significant recognition by ranking 4th in the National Clean Air City rankings under the Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024. This achievement places Bhubaneswar among the top-performing cities in the 3 to 10 lakh population category, out of 130 cities across the country.
The Swachh Vayu Survekshan, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the National Clean Air Mission, assesses cities annually on their efforts to improve air quality. The results were announced on September 7, coinciding with the observance of the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.
Cities were evaluated on several measures aimed at enhancing air quality, including road paving and mechanical cleaning, bioremediation of legacy waste, efficient construction and demolition (C&D) waste management, converting dump sites into green spaces, smart traffic management systems, Miyawaki forest projects, and the use of cleaner fuels in industries.
The assessment process involved a review of reports and supporting documentation submitted by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), which were then scrutinized by the Air Quality Monitoring Committee (AQMC) at the state level, and subsequently reviewed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as per MoEFCC guidelines.
In the 2024 rankings, Amravati claimed the top spot, followed by Moradabad and Jhansi (tied for 2nd), with Alwar securing 3rd place, and Bhubaneswar in 4th.
This honor has generated a sense of pride and excitement among BMC officials, including the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Commissioner, standing committee chairpersons, corporators, and employees, all of whom have hailed the recognition as a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing commitment to fostering a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment.
