Patna: Patna improved its ranking in the Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2026, securing the 16th position among 48 cities with populations of over 10 lakh, up from 27th rank last year.The rankings, announced by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the Union environment ministry on Monday, showed Patna scoring 178 points across 37 parameters, compared with 164.5 points in the previous assessment. The city had ranked 14th in 2024 and 29th in 2023.Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) also secured two awards in the survey’s first-ever ward-level assessment, earning a total prize of Rs 40 lakh.Ward 43 under the Bankipur circle secured the top position in Bihar in the category for wards with populations above 30,000 and fetched a Rs 25 lakh award. The amount will be used for pollution-control and environmental improvement works in Rajendra Nagar, Mahmudi Chak, Maila Tanki Road, Arya Kumar Road and Patliputra Path, among other areas.Ward 9 under the Patliputra circle topped the state in the 10,000-30,000 population category and was also ranked among the top nine wards nationally, earning Rs 15 lakh.The ward assessment covered green cover expansion, roadside plantation, waste collection, road maintenance, mechanised sweeping, construction and demolition waste management, sanitation and public awareness.PMC Mayor Sita Sahu said the ranking reflected the city’s sustained efforts towards cleaner air, while municipal commissioner Yashpal Meena credited plantation drives, improved waste management, better road cleaning and public awareness campaigns for the improvement.Patch: PMC explores alternatives to winter bonfiresPatna: The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has commissioned a study to assess the impact of winter bonfires on air quality and public health and explore safer heating alternatives for vulnerable residents.On National Air Day, municipal commissioner Yashpal Meena released the report, ‘Beyond the Bonfires: Rethinking Winter Heating for Vulnerable Populations of Patna’, prepared by the Air Pollution Action Group (A-PAG) in collaboration with the PMC.The study focused on homeless people, street vendors, commuters, night-shift workers and residents of informal settlements. It found that open bonfires can increase surrounding PM2.5 levels by 18-30%, posing significant health risks.Meena said the civic body currently operates six permanent shelters, 12 German hangars and tents at eight locations, providing 955 beds along with water, sanitation facilities, bedding, blankets and heaters. Strengthening shelter infrastructure and heating facilities, he said, could reduce dependence on open fires during winter.The PMC is also considering making two more air-conditioned lounges for gig workers winter-ready and expanding such facilities if required.A-PAG experts appreciated the civic body’s waste-management initiatives. Azimabad and New Capital circles were recognised for prompt disposal of construction and demolition waste complaints and effective management of garbage points.
