The World Clean Sky Day for Blue Skies, also known as Swachh Vayu Diwas, was observed on 7 September 2024 in Jaipur in the presence of the Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Rev. Shri Bhupender Yadav and Chief Minister of Rajasthan. , Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma. Shri Sanjay Sharma, Minister for Forests, Environment and Climate Change, Rajasthan, and Shri Jabbar Singh Khara, Minister for Urban Development and Local Government, Rajasthan were also present on the occasion. The Rajasthan Land Pollution Control Board organized this year’s event. At the conference, a video showing the achievements and progress of the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) in 131 cities was shown. It was highlighted that the efforts of the center, the combination of resources and monitor the positive results and follow the trend of reducing air pollution in 95 cities. It is worth mentioning that 51 cities have reduced their PM10 level by more than 20% compared to 2017-18 and 21 cities have achieved a reduction of more than 40%.
A document called “Sustainable Technologies and Practices Collection: Lessons from NCAP Cities” was published, which shows the initiatives taken by cities to improve air quality. In addition, 100 saplings were planted at ‘Matri Van’ in Jaipur under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ programme. Swachh Vayu Survekshan awards were given to NCAP cities: Surat, Jabalpur and Agra in Tier 1 (population above 10 lakh), Firozabad, Amravati and Jhansi in Tier 2 (population between in 3). and 10 million), and Raebareli, Nalgonda and Nalagarh in category-3 (population less than 3 thousand). City managers of the winning cities were awarded cash prizes, awards and recognition. Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav congratulated the winning cities and emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships and investment in clean air, stressing the need to give back to nature. He also encouraged young scientists, researchers, and students to participate in the Ideas4LiFE campaign by submitting innovative ideas on themes such as saving water and energy, reducing waste and e-waste, avoiding single-use plastics, adopting sustainable food systems, and healthy lifestyles. The Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, reiterated the state’s commitment to a cleaner environment through initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission and “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.” He announced the preparation of a “Green Growth Budget” and the introduction of electric buses on major routes. The event saw the participation of officials from various government bodies, experts, students, and numerous virtual attendees.