New Delhi | July 2025 : In a commendable achievement, the twin cities of Prayagraj and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh have emerged as national role models in the fight against air pollution, securing full marks under the Government of India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) performance index.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), which monitors the implementation of the NCAP across India, noted that Prayagraj and Varanasi were the only two cities to score 100 out of 100 for their coordinated and sustained actions to improve urban air quality.
The comprehensive evaluation measured key performance areas including:
- Reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 levels
- Citizen participation and awareness campaigns
- Transition to cleaner fuels
- Urban forestry and green cover expansion
- Improved public transport and reduced vehicular emissions
- Stringent control of industrial emissions
Officials attributed the success to proactive governance, public awareness, and the integration of environmental considerations into urban development.
“These results show that holistic and community-driven planning can reverse the tide of air pollution,” said an MoEFCC spokesperson.
Both cities implemented rooftop solar schemes, electric vehicle incentives, solid waste management upgrades, and smart traffic controls as part of their clean air action plans.
Experts have hailed this recognition as a blueprint for other cities aspiring to improve urban air quality and meet India’s climate goals.
With this milestone, Prayagraj and Varanasi are not only spiritual centres but now also symbols of sustainability, proving that development and environmental protection can go hand in hand.
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