Overview

• Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav presented the 2025 Swachh Vayu Survekshan awards in New Delhi, with Indore topping the million‑plus category, Jabalpur second, and Agra and Surat sharing third.
• Amravati ranked first in the 3–10 lakh population group with a reported 200/200 score, while Dewas led the under‑3‑lakh category; Jhansi and Moradabad were joint second in the mid‑size tier.
• The ministry reported measured PM10 improvements under NCAP, saying 64 of 130 cities cut PM10 by at least 20% since 2017–18 and 25 achieved reductions of 40% or more, with declines seen in 103 cities overall.
• The survey’s implementation‑heavy scoring means air‑quality trends carry limited weight, illustrated by Indore placing first despite a 1.2% rise in its PM10 average versus the 2017–18 baseline.
• Alongside cash prizes to top performers (including ₹1 crore for Jabalpur), the Centre released ward‑level assessment guidelines and announced a 75‑crore sapling drive from September 17 to October 2.