Surat Slips to Third in Clean Air Survey 2025, Indore Tops Again

Surat | Gujarat — Once celebrated as the clean air capital of India, Surat has now slipped from rank one to rank three in the Clean Air Survey 2025, conducted under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s National Clean Air Programme. While the city remains in the top three nationally, the setback has reignited debates about road conditions, potholes, and civic accountability.

On Tuesday, Mayor Daxesh Mavani and Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agarwal accepted the award at Indira Gandhi Bhavan’s Ganga Auditorium in Delhi. The survey ranked 130 cities across eight parameters, including road dust, vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, waste management, renewable energy use, and public awareness.

Indore Reclaims No.1, Surat at No.3

Indore, which has long been recognized as a national leader in cleanliness and sustainability, reclaimed its number-one position this year. Surat, despite significant efforts in cutting carbon emissions and dust control, could not hold on to the top spot it earned in 2024 with a record score of 194 out of 200.

“The municipality’s performance in reducing carbon emissions has been appreciated. This award marks the ninth national recognition in just two years. Still, slipping from first to third is a wake-up call. We must intensify our dust management and infrastructure improvements,” said a senior BJP functionary.

Road Dust and Potholes Hurt Ranking

Officials admitted that poor road maintenance and potholes were key reasons behind Surat’s dip in the rankings. Despite 43 high-capacity sweeper machines purchased under the Zero Dust Programme, dust levels on roads remained high due to frequent construction activity, open dumping, and potholes that trap debris and rainwater.

“Dust particles and potholes are our biggest challenges. Unless road infrastructure improves, Surat cannot consistently lead the rankings,” said an urban planning expert who has worked with the Surat Municipal Corporation.

Major Achievements Recognized

Despite the drop, Surat was applauded for its comprehensive environmental projects:

Solid Waste Management: 100% scientific disposal of 2,400 tonnes of waste daily.

Construction Waste Recycling: Demolition waste used for paver blocks and construction materials.

Vehicle Emissions: Over 54,000 EVs, 400 EV buses, and 100 charging stations operational.

Renewable Energy: 38.7 MW wind power and 19 MW solar power generation.

Industrial Monitoring: Air quality monitoring systems and smog towers installed in key zones.

Public Awareness: Regular drives by engineering, sanitation, and health departments.

These steps resulted in a 12.71% reduction in PM 10 levels in 2023–24, a fact highlighted by the survey committee.

Civic Pride and Citizen Frustration

While civic officials celebrated being the only Gujarat city in the top three, citizens voiced frustration. “What’s the use of awards if roads are filled with potholes and dust clouds every day? Awards don’t make our commute safer or our lungs healthier,” said local businessman Amit Patel.

Another resident added: “Last year we were number one. This year, we slipped because of the same issues we complain about daily—dust, potholes, and broken roads. Authorities need to fix the basics.”