Every breath we take is vital, yet clean air is something we often take for granted—until it’s compromised. Recognising the urgent need for cities to combat air pollution and adopt sustainable practices, the Government of India launched the Swachh Vayu Survekshan, a nationwide initiative aimed at encouraging urban areas to take meaningful action for better air quality.
What is Swachh Vayu Survekshan?
Swachh Vayu Survekshan (SVS) is an annual evaluation carried out under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). It ranks cities based on their efforts to improve air quality—not just through monitoring pollution levels but by evaluating long-term action plans and on-ground implementation.
It was conceptualised as a way to foster healthy competition among Indian cities to become cleaner, greener, and more sustainable. The survey’s findings are announced every year on September 7, which is observed globally as the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.
Why Is It Important?
Air pollution is a silent killer. According to global health studies, millions of premature deaths annually are linked to poor air quality. In India, urban areas face serious challenges from vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial smoke, and the burning of waste. SVS gives cities a framework to:
- Track progress in air quality improvement
- Implement localised, sustainable solutions
- Access incentives and government support
- Create public awareness and citizen engagement
Most importantly, it transforms the abstract concept of “air quality” into measurable action plans, encouraging municipal bodies to move from intent to implementation.
We are proud to share that #Bhubaneswar has been ranked 4th Best City (<10 lakh population) in the Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2025 by @moefcc
This recognition reflects our collective commitment towards cleaner air and a sustainable future.#NCAP #swachhvayusurvey2025… pic.twitter.com/lBRwzjy5ow
— BMC (@bmcbbsr) September 11, 2025
Odisha’s Achievements: Bhubaneswar and Angul Shine
In the 2024 edition, Bhubaneswar secured the 4th position nationally among cities with a population between 3 to 10 lakh, rising significantly from its previous ranking. This jump reflects the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation’s dedicated efforts—ranging from road cleaning, dump site reclamation, green belt creation, to traffic management and adoption of cleaner fuels.
Meanwhile, Angul, a smaller town in Odisha, stood out by securing 3rd place in the under-3-lakh population category. This is Angul’s second consecutive year of national recognition, reflecting a consistent approach in tackling air pollution. Local authorities credited their success to infrastructure upgrades, public awareness campaigns, and strict regulation of heavy vehicle emissions. As a reward, Angul also received a ₹12.5 lakh incentive, which will go towards further clean-air initiatives.
These achievements are not just about rankings—they reflect the real improvements in public health, urban planning, and citizen well-being.
How Are Cities Evaluated?
Cities are assessed based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria, including:
- Road and traffic infrastructure
- Legacy waste management
- Use of green technologies
- Public transport upgrades
- Implementation of action plans under NCAP
The reports are verified at the state and central levels, involving detailed scrutiny by Air Quality Monitoring Committees (AQMCs) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Beyond Awards: A Call to Action
The goal of Swachh Vayu Survekshan is not just to reward the best-performing cities, but to inspire all cities to adopt cleaner, smarter ways of living. It is a wake-up call for urban India—one that emphasises how deeply our health, environment, and urban development are connected.
For cities like Bhubaneswar, Angul, and others making steady progress, the rankings are a proud recognition. But more than that, they are a reminder of the journey ahead—one where clean air is not a luxury, but a basic right for all citizens.