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Surat awarded with the prestigious ‘Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024’ title
In a recent feat, Surat in Gujarat has been awarded with the ‘Swachh Vayu Survekshan (SVS) 2024.’ The ceremony was organized by the Union Ministry of Environment. Also known as the ‘Diamond City of India’, Surat is already known for earning the title of India’s cleanest city twice.The recent milestone definitely speaks a lot about the city’s exceptional progress in improving air quality, surpassing 131 other competing cities in the nationwide survey.
As per the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), the city has successfully reduced its PM10 pollution levels by 12.71% compared to the previous year. Apparently In the SVS 2023, Surat was ranked 13th, with Indore leading the list. But this year, surprisingly Surat has made an impressive jump to achieve the top position, scoring 194 out of 200 possible points. The city's PM10 score has improved significantly, dropping from 130 last year to 103 this year.
For achieving this exceptional title, Surat in September will be honored as the ‘National Clean Air City’. It will happen at the National Mission for Clean Air event in Jaipur. The trophy will be received by the city's mayor, Daxesh Mavani, and Municipal Commissioner, Shalini Agarwal. They will also receive a certificate, and a prize money of INR 1.5 crore at the ceremony.
Municipal Commissioner Agarwal said, "Our progress is the result of better coordination among departments, advancements in construction practices, increased use of electric public transport, and a focus on renewable energy".
About Swachh Vayu Survekshan
The Swachh Vayu Survekshan was introduced back in 2019. It evaluates cities on their efforts to enhance air quality and reduce particulate matter. The assessment works on parameters such as solid waste management, road dust control, construction waste management, vehicular and industrial emissions, awareness programs, and overall air quality improvements, among others.
Surat’s efforts
Surat has invested nearly INR 5000 crores in air quality improvement projects in the past five years. These initiatives include deploying mechanical sweepers to remove 4,200 metric tones of dust annually, integrating 35% electric vehicles into the garbage collection fleet—which has led to a reduction of 7000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year—and establishing 50 electric vehicle charging stations.
Additionally, with support from the World Resources Institute, Surat has undertaken 280 clean construction projects, which focus on minimizing the use of natural resources and managing construction and demolition waste. Of the 600 electric buses planned for the city, 580 are already operational, contributing to an annual reduction of 66 metric tones in emissions.
Source: Times Of India
