Rourkela, Sept. 7 (UDN): Rourkela has emerged as India’s best-performing city in the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026, securing the top national rank among cities with a population of 3 lakh to 10 lakh and earning three honours for its clean-air initiatives.
The recognition came under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), with the city and two of its municipal wards being honoured for their efforts to improve air quality and reduce pollution.
National Recognition for Rourkela
Among 130 participating cities, Rourkela secured the No. 1 national ranking in its population category, marking one of Odisha’s biggest achievements in urban environmental management.
The city’s performance was further strengthened by the achievements of its wards.
Ward No. 13 secured first place nationally among wards with a population below 10,000.
Ward No. 14 secured third place at the state level in the same category.
Awards Presented on Clean Air Day
The awards were presented on September 7, observed as Clean Air Day, during a ceremony at Ganga Auditorium, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan in New Delhi.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Sundargarh Collector Dr. Subhankar Mohapatra and Rourkela Municipal Corporation (RMC) Commissioner Dheenah Dastageer received the honours on behalf of the city.
Measures That Earned the Recognition
The RMC has implemented a series of pollution-control measures under NCAP, including scientific solid waste segregation and management, bio-mining of legacy waste, and the establishment of a biomass pellet plant to discourage open burning.
The civic body has also adopted treated septic sludge and drain water for road sprinkling to suppress dust, deployed mechanical road-sweeping machines during night hours, and introduced scientific management of construction and demolition waste.
In addition, air purifiers have been installed at four major public locations to help reduce PM2.5 and PM10 particulate levels, while awareness campaigns have encouraged public participation in improving air quality.
Citizens and Sanitation Workers Credited
Congratulating the residents of Rourkela, district and civic officials acknowledged the contribution of citizens and sanitation workers in making the city cleaner.
Officials said the recognition reflects sustained efforts in waste management, dust suppression, pollution control and community participation, reinforcing Rourkela’s growing reputation as a model for cleaner and more sustainable urban development.
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