Raurkela: Raurkela has secured the top spot among cities with a population of 3 lakh to 10 lakh in the Clean Air Survey 2026, bagging three honours for its efforts to improve air quality and curb pollution.
The city was recognised along with two of its wards for their performance in the survey conducted under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
Among 130 cities that participated in the Clean Air Survey 2026 (Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026), Raurkela emerged as one of the best-performing cities in the country. It secured first position nationally in the category of cities with a population between 3 lakh and 10 lakh.
The city’s achievement was further highlighted by the performance of its wards. Ward No. 13 secured first position at the national level in the category of wards with a population below 10,000, while Ward No. 14 secured third position at the state level in the same category.
The awards were presented on September 7, observed as Clean Air Day, at a special ceremony held at Ganga Auditorium, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, in New Delhi. The ceremony was organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India.
Sundargarh Collector Dr Subhankar Mohapatra and Raurkela Municipal Corporation (RMC) Commissioner Dheenah Dastageer received the awards on behalf of the city.
The Clean Air Survey is conducted annually under the NCAP to assess the efforts of cities towards improving air quality, reducing pollution and creating awareness among citizens. The programme seeks to promote the vision of “Clean Air for All”.
Congratulating the people of Raurkela on the achievement, the Collector and the RMC Commissioner thanked residents for their participation and acknowledged the contribution of sanitation workers in maintaining cleanliness across the city.
The RMC has undertaken a series of measures aimed at controlling air pollution. These include scientific segregation and management of solid waste, bio-mining of legacy waste and the establishment of a biomass pellet plant to discourage the open burning of waste.
The civic body has also been treating septic tank sludge and drain water for reuse in regular sprinkling operations to suppress road dust. Mechanical road-sweeping machines are deployed at night to reduce dust accumulation, while construction and demolition waste is being managed scientifically.
Air purifiers have also been installed at four major public locations across the city to help reduce PM2.5 and PM10 particulate levels. The civic body has simultaneously stepped up public awareness campaigns to educate residents about measures to prevent air pollution.
Officials said the recognition reflects the city’s sustained efforts towards improving air quality through better waste management, dust suppression, pollution-control measures and public participation.
Raurkela’s performance in the Clean Air Survey 2026 has brought national recognition to the city and added another distinction to its ongoing efforts towards cleaner and more sustainable urban development.
