Big leap for Chandigarh, ranked 8th in Centre's air quality survey

The city has secured the eightth rank in the Swachh Vayu Survekshan-2025, up 19 spots from the 27th in 2024. The survey, conducted annually by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), assesses cities on their sustained efforts and progress towards improving air quality.

“Chandigarh’s upward movement by 19 positions is a testament to its sustainable urban development initiatives, proactive air quality management strategies, and active citizen participation,” said Saurabh Kumar, Director Environment-cum-Member Secretary, Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC).

The authorities have attributed the rise to collective efforts of the Municipal Corporation, Traffic Police, Transport Departments and the CPCC.

The Swachh Vayu Survekshan evaluates cities across eight major parameters, covering waste and dust management practices as well as enforcement of measures to limit emissions.

Among the measures undertaken to check all the boxes were expansion of green cover through urban forestry and plantation drives, strict enforcement of dust-control measures at construction sites, scientific remediation of legacy waste and proper management of construction and demolition waste.

Several steps were also implemented to check emissions, including the introduction of e-mobility in public transport and expansion of EV charging infrastructure, development of an expanded non-motorised transport network and implementation of Intelligent Traffic Management Systems to reduce congestion and vehicular emissions.

The Director Environment said, “This achievement reflects Chandigarh’s strong commitment to ensuring clean air for its residents. Our collective efforts, from policymakers to citizens, all have made this possible, and we will continue to work towards a healthier and greener city.”

The objective of the survey is to create awareness among all sections of society, inform citizens about the impact of pollution on health.

What’s behind the rise

Expansion of green cover through urban forestry and plantation drives.

Strict enforcement of dust-control measures at construction sites.

Proper management of construction and demolition (C&D) waste.

Scientific remediation of legacy waste.

Introduction of e-mobility in public transport and expansion of EV charging infrastructure.

Development of an expanded non-motorised transport network.

Implementation of the Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS) to reduce congestion and vehicular emissions in the city.

Automatic road sweeping and water sprinkling to control road dust.

Community-led awareness campaigns promoting behavioural change and citizen involvement.