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Environmental rankings, such as Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan, are conducted through a structured process that includes data collection, analysis, and evaluation based on specific criteria related to air quality and environmental factors. These assessments are overseen by government agencies, particularly the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which is responsible for environmental protection.
These rankings are typically conducted by government organizations that monitor and manage environmental aspects. In the realm of air quality, CPCB plays a pivotal role in overseeing and executing these assessments under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The primary aim of these rankings is to evaluate and compare the performance of cities or regions based on criteria like air quality and cleanliness. They act as vital tools for raising awareness, promoting improvements, and guiding policy decisions.
Rankings are established based on criteria pertinent to air quality, which may include levels of air pollutants, adherence to environmental regulations, emissions control, and trends in improvement over time.
Scores are assigned to cities based on the collected data analyzed according to the defined criteria. The scores reflect how well cities meet these environmental standards.
These rankings are typically published periodically, often on an annual basis, to keep the public informed about the current status and improvements in air quality.
Public awareness and participation are critical for enhancing rankings. When citizens are informed and actively engaged in tackling environmental issues, it can lead to better outcomes and improved scores.
Rankings often come with recommendations for specific actions to tackle challenges and enhance performance. These may include initiatives like urban forest development, dust control on roads, and improved waste management practices.
The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is a comprehensive initiative launched by the Indian government to combat air pollution and improve air quality in cities. It emphasizes reducing pollution and raising public awareness regarding sustainable practices.
Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan categorizes cities based on population size into three groups:
Raipur has improved its air quality through public awareness, encouraging participation, urban forest projects, dust mitigation, emission control, cleanliness campaigns, and sustainable waste management. The municipal corporation aims to enhance air quality further by introducing electric buses and expanding tree plantation drives.
Among cities with a population exceeding 10 lakh, Indore in Madhya Pradesh achieved the top rank in the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan, followed by Agra in Uttar Pradesh and Thane in Maharashtra.
Q1. What is the main aim of Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan?
Answer: The primary aim of Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan is to evaluate and compare cities based on their air quality and environmental practices to promote awareness and policy improvements.
Q2. How does CPCB contribute to environmental rankings?
Answer: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) oversees the execution of environmental rankings, ensuring data collection and analysis pertaining to air quality and compliance with regulations.
Q3. What are the categories based on population in Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan?
Answer: The categories include cities with populations over 10 lakh, between 3-10 lakh, and less than 3 lakh, allowing for comparative assessments based on size.
Q4. Why is public participation important in these rankings?
Answer: Public participation is vital as it fosters community engagement, leading to better environmental outcomes and enhanced scores in air quality rankings.
Q5. What actions are recommended to improve air quality in cities?
Answer: Recommended actions include urban forest development, road dust management, emission controls, and improved waste management practices to enhance air quality.
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