Dehradun Makes Major Leap in Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026, Ranks 12th Nationwide
Uttarakhand capital improves from 37th to 12th position in three years, reflecting sustained efforts to improve air quality
Dehradun: Uttarakhand’s capital Dehradun has registered a significant improvement in air quality management, securing the 12th position among cities with a population between 3 lakh and 10 lakh in the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026 conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The achievement is particularly significant as Dehradun has shown consistent improvement over the past three years, moving from the 37th position to the 12th position in the national ranking.
In 2024, Dehradun ranked 41st in its category. The city improved to 19th in 2025 and has now moved further up to 12th in 2026. The steady improvement reflects sustained efforts in dust control, vehicular emission monitoring, road cleaning, promotion of clean mobility, public awareness and continuous environmental monitoring.
Focus on Dust Control and Modern Technology
The Dehradun Municipal Corporation and concerned departments have adopted a multi-pronged strategy to improve air quality in the city. Water sprinkling through drones has been carried out in sensitive and densely populated areas to control dust and particulate matter.
Mechanical cleaning systems have also been strengthened on major roads and along roadside stretches. Regular deployment of mechanical sweeping machines is aimed at reducing the accumulation of road dust and controlling particulate pollution.
Awareness Campaigns Against Open Waste Burning
Open burning of waste and other materials is among the contributors to air pollution. To address the issue, extensive public awareness campaigns have been undertaken across the city.
Citizens have been encouraged to avoid burning waste in the open and to make proper waste disposal, cleanliness and environmental protection part of their daily practices. The emphasis on public participation alongside administrative measures has helped strengthen the city’s air quality improvement efforts.
Increased Monitoring of Vehicular Emissions
Vehicular emissions are another important focus area in Dehradun’s air pollution control strategy. Regular inspections of Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates have been conducted to identify and monitor vehicles exceeding prescribed emission standards.
The government is also promoting cleaner modes of transportation, including electric vehicles (EVs). Along with encouraging EV adoption, efforts are being made to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the city.
Continuous Air Quality Monitoring
Improving air quality requires coordinated efforts by multiple departments, local bodies and citizens. Dehradun has therefore strengthened its air quality monitoring mechanism to track pollution levels and facilitate timely corrective action.
Data generated through monitoring is being used to identify areas requiring intervention and improve pollution-control measures. Continuous monitoring and timely action have played an important role in strengthening the city’s overall air quality management system.
Balancing Development with Environmental Protection
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Uttarakhand government has emphasized balancing infrastructure and economic development with environmental protection.
The objective is not merely to reduce pollution levels in the short term but to establish a sustainable system capable of ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations.
Dehradun’s improved performance in the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan is being seen as an outcome of planned interventions, technological adoption, continuous monitoring and greater public participation.
Credit to Civic Bodies, Departments and Citizens
The improvement has been supported by the collective efforts of the Dehradun Municipal Corporation, Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board, concerned government departments, sanitation and environmental workers, as well as citizens.
Public awareness regarding waste management, prevention of open waste burning, cleanliness and environmental conservation has further strengthened the government’s initiatives.
The state government is also working to replicate air-quality improvement measures in other cities of Uttarakhand according to their local conditions. Cities such as Rishikesh and Kashipur have also recorded positive improvements in recent years.
CM Dhami Congratulates Dehradun
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami congratulated the people of Dehradun, the Municipal Corporation, the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board and all concerned departments on the city’s performance in the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026.
The Chief Minister said that Dehradun’s rise from 37th to 12th position is a matter of pride for the entire state. He attributed the achievement to public participation, the dedicated efforts of the Municipal Corporation and continuous monitoring by the Pollution Control Board.
He emphasized that clean air is not merely an environmental issue but is directly linked to public health and a better future. He expressed confidence that collective efforts to improve air quality would continue with greater momentum in the coming years.
