Rourkela: Clean air and pure drinking water are essential for human life. Against this backdrop, World Clean Air Day was observed at the Civic Centre in Rourkela on Monday. The programme was organised by the Regional Pollution Control Board, with the DIG of Western Range attending the event as the chief guest.Adding another feather to Rourkela’s cap, the city has once again made its mark at the national level. According to the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan-2026 released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, Rourkela has delivered an outstanding performance among the 130 cities assessed across the country.
Rourkela secured the first position at the national level in the 3–10 lakh population category. Similarly, Ward No. 13 of Rourkela secured the first position nationally in the category of wards with a population of less than 10,000.
On the occasion of World Clean Air Day, a special felicitation ceremony was organised in New Delhi, where Sundargarh Collector Dr. Shubhankar Mahapatra and Rourkela Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ms. Dina Dastagir received the awards on behalf of the district and the city.The competition was conducted under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), covering 130 cities across India. Rourkela was recognised as a “National Clean Air City” and a “Clean Air for All” city for its efforts towards improving air quality.The Rourkela Municipal Corporation received the national recognition for its notable performance in creating public awareness about air pollution and promoting measures aimed at improving the city’s air quality.
