Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Rajasthan CM Sharma Celebrate International Clean Air Day in Jaipur
The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, also known as Swachh Vayu Diwas, was celebrated on Saturday in Jaipur. The event was attended by Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.
Other notable attendees included Sanjay Sharma, Minister of State for Forest, Environment and Climate Change of Rajasthan, and Jhabar Singh Kharra, Union Minister of State Urban Development and Local Self Government of Rajasthan. The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board hosted the event.
An engaging video showcased the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and its positive impact on air quality in 131 cities. It was revealed that 95 cities have shown a decline in air pollution, with 51 cities reducing PM10 levels by more than 20% since 2017-18, and 21 cities achieving reductions of over 40%.
A document titled ‘Compendium on Viable Technologies and Practices: Lessons from NCAP cities’ was released, highlighting successful initiatives to improve air quality. Additionally, 100 saplings were planted under the ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ campaign at the Matri Van, Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre.
The Swachh Vayu Survekshan Awards were presented to the best-performing NCAP cities. In Category-1 (population over 10 Lakhs), Surat, Jabalpur, and Agra were awarded. In Category-2 (population between 3 and 10 Lakhs), Firozabad, Amravati, and Jhansi were recognized. In Category-3 (population under 3 Lakhs), Raebareli, Nalgonda, and Nalagarh received awards. Municipal Commissioners of the winning cities were given cash prizes, trophies, and certificates.
Bhupender Yadav congratulated the winning cities and encouraged other NCAP cities to continue their efforts. He emphasized the need for multi-stakeholder partnerships, increased investment in clean air initiatives, and our shared responsibility to address air pollution. He reminded everyone that ‘Nature gives us its best; in return, we should give nature our best’.
Doubts Revealed
Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a person who is in charge of a specific department in the central government of India. They help make important decisions for the country.
Bhupender Yadav -: Bhupender Yadav is a politician in India who works as a Union Minister. He helps make rules and policies for the country.
Rajasthan CM -: Rajasthan CM stands for Rajasthan Chief Minister. The Chief Minister is the head of the government in the state of Rajasthan.
Bhajan Lal Sharma -: Bhajan Lal Sharma is the Chief Minister of Rajasthan. He is responsible for the administration and governance of the state.
International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies -: This is a special day celebrated around the world to raise awareness about the importance of clean air. It is also called Swachh Vayu Diwas in India.
Jaipur -: Jaipur is the capital city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is known for its rich history and beautiful palaces.
NCAP program -: NCAP stands for National Clean Air Programme. It is a plan by the Indian government to reduce air pollution in cities.
Saplings -: Saplings are young trees that are planted to grow into big trees. Planting saplings helps improve the environment.
Partnerships -: Partnerships mean working together with others. In this context, it means different groups and people working together to keep the air clean.
Investment -: Investment means putting money or resources into something to make it better. Here, it means spending money to improve air quality.
