Lucknow tops Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026, nine UP cities in top 15

Mayor Lucknow Sushma Kharkhwal getting the award Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh placed nine cities among the top 15 in their respective population categories in the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026, underscoring the state's push to strengthen clean-air actions under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The rankings evaluate not only present air quality but also the measures taken by cities and the extent of improvement compared with the 2018 baseline. Lucknow topped the national list in the category of cities with a population of more than 10 lakh, scoring 198 points. Agra ranked fourth with 192 points, while Ghaziabad and Kanpur were placed ninth and 11th, respectively. In the 3-10 lakh population category, Firozabad emerged as the second-best city in the country with 195 points. Jhansi secured the fifth position with 192.5 points. Among cities with a population of less than three lakh, Rae Bareli was the best-performing city from Uttar Pradesh, ranking 17th nationally with 180.5 points. The survey assesses multiple parameters linked to implementation capacity and on-ground action. These include preparation and execution of City Action Plan, presence of a Public Grievance Redressal System (PGRS), mobile applications for registering complaints, and adoption of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). It also reviews emission inventory and source-apportionment studies, utilisation of funds for clean-air interventions, and changes in PM10 levels over time. Lucknow's top ranking was supported by measures such as upgrades at major traffic junctions, development of green corridors and riverside green belts, improvements in waste collection systems, and mechanised road sweeping using electric vehicles. The survey report recorded a decline in the city's average annual PM10 from 253 micrograms per cubic metre in 2017-18 to 135 micrograms per cubic metre in 2025-26, an overall improvement of 46.64%. Firozabad reported a sharper reduction in PM10, with average annual levels falling from 247 micrograms per cubic metre in 2017-18 to 100 micrograms per cubic metre in 2025-26, reflecting a 59.5% improvement. The city also registered a further 2.9% improvement compared with 2024-25. The report cited road sweeping, road paving, pothole monitoring, Miyawaki plantations, green belts and routine water sprinkling to control dust among key steps taken. The survey findings indicated that strong performance extended beyond the largest urban centres. Jhansi, Moradabad, Noida, Gorakhpur and Bareilly were noted among mid-sized cities, while Rae Bareli, Anpara, Khurja and Gajraula featured among smaller cities in the state's overall showing. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Lucknow | Silver Rate in Lucknow | Bank Holidays in Lucknow | Public Holidays in Lucknow | Lucknow AQI | Weather in Lucknow | Petrol Price in Lucknow | Diesel Price in Lucknow | CNG Price in Lucknow | LPG Price in Lucknow Stay updated with the latest Lucknow news. Download the TOI App.