International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies observed on 7 September; NCAP covers 130 cities
India marked the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on 7 September 2026, with a PIB backgrounder noting that the National Clean Air Programme now covers 130 cities and has released ₹16,423.55 crore in performance-linked grants.
Summary
The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is observed every year on 7 September; the UN General Assembly designated it in 2019. A PIB backgrounder released for the day on 7 September 2026 set out India's response to air pollution. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in 2019, covers 130 cities, and 108 cities recorded lower PM10 levels in 2025-26. ₹16,423.55 crore was given to the 130 cities from 2019-20 to 2025-26 as performance-linked grants, of which 70.5% has been used. The PRANA portal tracks NCAP action plans, the SAMEER app gives near real-time AQI for more than 292 cities, and the annual Swachh Vayu Survekshan, started in 2022-23, ranks NCAP cities.
Key facts
- Day
- International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies — 7 Sep
- Designated by
- UN General Assembly, 2019
- NCAP
- Launched 2019; 130 cities
- Grants
- ₹16,423.55 crore (2019-20 to 2025-26); 70.5% used
- Portals
- PRANA (NCAP tracking); SAMEER (AQI, 292+ cities)
- Ranking
- Swachh Vayu Survekshan, since 2022-23
Practice MCQs 3 questions
The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is observed on which date?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 7 September
The day is observed every year on 7 September; the UN General Assembly designated it in 2019.
What is 'PRANA' in the context of India's air quality management?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — A portal for monitoring implementation of the National Clean Air Programme
PRANA, the Portal for Regulation of Air-Pollution in Non-Attainment cities, tracks the physical and financial progress of NCAP city action plans. SAMEER is the AQI app.
Consider the following statements about the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): 1. It was launched in 2019 and covers 130 cities. 2. Cities receive NCAP funds as performance-linked grants based on air quality. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: NCAP was launched in 2019 in 130 cities, and ₹16,423.55 crore was given as air-quality performance-linked grants from 2019-20 to 2025-26.