Patna: Patna Municipal Corporation’s Ward 9 has emerged as one of the selected wards in the national-level Clean Air Survey 2026, putting the city in contention for recognition for its air-pollution control and clean-air initiatives.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is evaluating clean-air and pollution-control measures across around 7,500 wards in 130 cities under the survey.
Ward 9 has been selected in Category II, which covers wards with populations between 10,000 and 30,000.
From 7,500 wards to 27 finalists
For the survey, wards have been divided into three categories based on population.
- Category I: More than 30,000 population
- Category II: 10,000 to 30,000
- Category III: Up to 10,000
Each urban local body could recommend a maximum of one ward from each category, or three wards in total, to the Air Quality Monitoring Committee.
Patna Municipal Corporation recommended Ward 43 under Category I and Ward 9 and Ward 34 under Category II. Evidence-backed self-assessment reports for the selected wards were uploaded to the designated portal.
Following the assessment, nine wards from each category have now been selected for field verification, bringing the total to 27 wards.
Experts to inspect Ward 9 on the ground
A three-member expert team will conduct field verification of the 27 selected wards in the final stage of the survey.
The wards will be assessed on parameters including solid waste management, construction and demolition waste management, development of green areas, air-pollution control measures and public awareness campaigns.
After the field verification, the top three wards in each category will be selected. The final national rankings will be announced on the basis of these results.
Zoo, airport and green cover among ward’s features
Ward 9’s geographical profile has contributed to its selection, according to the civic body. The ward includes the Patna zoo, airport and VVIP areas, which already have substantial green cover.
However, the selection does not itself mean that Ward 9 has secured a national ranking. Its final position will depend on the outcome of the field verification and subsequent assessment.
Civic body seeks greater public participation
The Municipal Corporation has stressed that citizen participation will be important in improving air quality.
Residents have been urged not to burn waste, avoid unnecessary vehicle use for short-distance journeys and ensure that their vehicles undergo regular pollution checks.
The civic body has also encouraged residents to plant trees on birthdays, festivals and other special occasions as part of efforts to improve the city’s green cover and air quality.
