Prayagraj jumped from 20th to 7th in the clean air rankings among large Indian cities. A focused push on dust control, green zones, and civic cleanliness underpin the rise.
Introduction
In a country where air pollution is a daily headline and a health crisis, Prayagraj has delivered a positive surprise. The city, home to millions and revered for its cultural and spiritual significance, has leapt from 20th to 7th place in the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)’s National Clean Air Survey for cities with populations over 1 million.
The achievement reflects intensive municipal efforts, citizen participation, and innovative urban greening projects that together point to what determined governance can achieve in the fight against pollution.
The Survey and Its Significance
The National Clean Air Survey is conducted annually under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to reduce particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) levels by 20–30% by 2026 across 131 cities. Rankings are based on parameters such as:
- Reduction in PM levels
- Dust control measures
- Green cover expansion
- Construction site regulation
- Public transport and mobility planning
- Citizen awareness initiatives
Prayagraj’s 13-place jump in just one year highlights the city’s emerging role as a case study in urban environmental management.
The Measures That Worked
Officials credit a three-pronged strategy:
- Dust Control & Road Cleaning
- Large-scale mechanised road sweepers deployed across arterial routes.
- Dust suppression drives with water sprinklers, especially around construction zones and industrial areas.
- Stricter penalties for contractors failing to implement dust screens and coverings.
- Greening the City
- Expansion of green belts in Naini, Jhunsi, and Prayagraj Ring Road.
- Introduction of Miyawaki forests in pockets like Chandrashekhar Azad Park, creating dense mini-forests in small spaces.
- Revamping of traffic corridors with green dividers and tree-lined stretches.
- Citizen Engagement
- Awareness campaigns in schools, RWAs, and market associations.
- “No Open Burning” campaigns targeting garbage and biomass burning.
- Collaboration with NGOs and environmentalists to monitor hotspots.
Voices from Leadership
Mayor Ganesh Kesarwani remarked:
“We knew Prayagraj could do better, and this year’s leap shows what teamwork can achieve. Our priority was to reduce dust and vehicle emissions without disrupting daily life. Citizens have been at the heart of this progress.”
Municipal Commissioner Shivam Verma added:
“From real-time monitoring to enforcement drives, we applied consistent pressure. The introduction of small Miyawaki forests has given us green lungs within congested areas.”
The Role of Technology
Technology has been a major enabler. The city installed real-time pollution monitors at traffic junctions and sensitive areas. Data dashboards allowed officials to take quick corrective action when pollution spiked.
- Smart sensors near schools helped track morning and evening peaks in vehicular emissions.
- GPS-enabled sweepers ensured accountability in road-cleaning schedules.
- Drone surveillance was used at some construction hotspots to check compliance with dust-control norms.
Areas of Focus
- Naini Industrial Belt
- Installation of emission filters in factories.
- Coordination with the UP Pollution Control Board to regulate compliance.
- Jhunsi Suburbs
- Plantations along highways and dusty stretches.
- Citizen-led monitoring committees.
- Chandrashekhar Azad Park & Core City Zones
- Mini-forests and park revitalisation.
- Green volunteer groups ensuring upkeep.
The Challenges That Remain
Despite the improvement, experts caution that Prayagraj’s journey is far from complete.
- Seasonal crop burning in nearby districts contributes heavily to winter smog.
- Vehicular emissions remain high, with limited progress in shifting to electric mobility.
- Construction dust continues to spike in growth corridors, especially with upcoming housing projects.
- Public transport dependency is low compared to private two-wheelers.
Dr. Anuradha Singh, an air quality researcher, warned:
“The jump is significant, but sustaining it requires year-round discipline. Seasonal shocks like stubble burning and dust storms can easily undo gains if not addressed.”
Health and Social Impact
Cleaner air means more than rankings—it translates into public health benefits. Local hospitals reported a slight decline in asthma and respiratory complaints this monsoon compared to last year. Children and senior citizens, the groups most vulnerable to air pollution, stand to gain the most if the trend continues.
Environmental NGOs also point to a psychological benefit: the new ranking has given citizens a sense of ownership and pride. “People feel their efforts matter,” said activist Suresh Pandey of Green Prayagraj Forum.
Lessons for Other Cities
Prayagraj’s success story is being closely watched by other large Indian cities. Key takeaways include:
- Prioritise dust control with mechanised cleaning.
- Invest in small but dense green patches rather than relying only on sprawling plantations.
- Use real-time data for enforcement instead of periodic checks.
- Mobilise citizen participation, from school drives to local RWA monitoring.
A Motivational Leap
Experts agree that Prayagraj’s rise from 20th to 7th is symbolic as much as statistical. It shows that mid-tier cities with strong cultural and historical identity can reinvent themselves as modern, climate-conscious urban centres.
Urban planner Ravi Mehta observed:
“Prayagraj’s achievement is not just about pollution—it’s about reimagining what an Indian city can be. It proves that with governance, technology, and people’s will, change is possible.”
The Road Ahead
Sustaining the momentum will require:
- Expansion of electric bus fleets.
- Incentives for solar rooftops and clean industries.
- Continued awareness campaigns against open burning.
- Better integration of public transport to reduce private vehicle dependence.
- Stronger collaboration with the state and central government under NCAP.
Mayor Kesarwani concluded:
“We are happy, but not satisfied. The journey has just begun. Our vision is to place Prayagraj in the Top 5 Clean Air Cities in the next survey.”
Closing Thought
Prayagraj’s climb in the clean air rankings is not merely a number—it is a story of civic resilience, environmental innovation, and collective willpower. The city’s example can serve as inspiration for dozens of other urban centres struggling with pollution. The real test lies ahead: whether the city can sustain and build upon these gains year after year.
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