The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (Swachh Vayu Diwas) was observed on September 7, 2024, in Jaipur. The event was hosted by the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board.
Dignitaries Present
- Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change: Shri Bhupender Yadav
- Chief Minister of Rajasthan: Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma
- Minister of State for Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Rajasthan: Shri Sanjay Sharma
- Union Minister of State for Urban Development and Local Self Government, Rajasthan: Shri Jhabar Singh Kharra
Key Highlights of the Event
- Video Presentation
- A video highlighted the NCAP program, the contributions of various agencies, and the improvements in air quality across 131 NCAP cities.
- Notable improvements include:
- 95 cities showing a decline in air pollution.
- 51 cities with a reduction in PM10 levels by more than 20% compared to the base year (2017-18).
- 21 cities achieving a reduction of more than 40% in PM10 levels.
- Release of Document
- The document titled ‘Compendium on Viable Technologies and Practices: Lessons from NCAP Cities’ was released.
- It showcased examples of initiatives undertaken by cities to improve air quality based on local contexts.
- Tree Plantation Campaign
- 100 saplings were planted under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign at the Matri Van, Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre.
- Swachh Vayu Survekshan Awards
- Category-1 (Population over 10 Lakhs): Surat, Jabalpur, Agra.
- Category-2 (Population between 3 and 10 Lakhs): Firozabad, Amravati, Jhansi.
- Category-3 (Population under 3 Lakhs): Raebareli, Nalgonda, Nalagarh.
- Municipal Commissioners of the winning cities were awarded cash prizes, trophies, and certificates.
Statements from Dignitaries
- Shri Bhupender Yadav:
- Emphasized multi-stakeholder partnerships and investments in clean air initiatives.
- Praised cities for strategic initiatives and improvements in air quality.
- Encouraged participation in the Ideas4LiFE campaign focusing on seven Mission LiFE themes.
- Reaffirmed commitment to Mission LiFE and improving environmental quality.
- Conducted the 4th meeting of the Apex Committee of NCAP and planted a sapling in Jaipur.
- Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma:
- Reinforced the Prime Minister’s call for a cleaner environment.
- Highlighted over 7 crore saplings planted in Rajasthan.
- Announced the preparation of a ‘Green Growth Budget’ and plans for electric buses on key routes.
- Emphasized embracing a holistic, eco-friendly lifestyle and the importance of investing in clean air.
Attendees
- Chairmen and Member Secretaries of SPCBs/PCCs, Municipal Commissioners, officials from Central and State governments, Urban Local Bodies, experts, students, and virtual attendees.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- When was the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies observed in 2024?
- A) August 7, 2024
- B) September 7, 2024
- C) October 7, 2024
- D) November 7, 2024
- Which document was released during the Swachh Vayu Diwas event?
- A) Compendium on Urban Development
- B) Compendium on Viable Technologies and Practices: Lessons from NCAP Cities
- C) Green Growth Budget Report
- D) Annual Air Quality Report
- Which cities won the Swachh Vayu Survekshan Awards in Category-1?
- A) Surat, Jabalpur, Agra
- B) Firozabad, Amravati, Jhansi
- C) Raebareli, Nalgonda, Nalagarh
- D) Surat, Firozabad, Raebareli
- What is the theme of this year’s observance of Swachh Vayu Diwas?
- A) Save Water, Save Energy
- B) Invest in Clean Air Now
- C) Reduce Waste, Adopt Sustainable Food Systems
- D) Say No To Single Use Plastic
- Which campaign involved planting 100 saplings during the event?
- A) Clean Air Campaign
- B) Green Growth Initiative
- C) Ek Ped Maa ke Naam
- D) Tree for Tomorrow