Angul Shines in National Clean Air City Awards 2025, Secures Third Spot for Pollution Control

Angul, a bustling town in Odisha, has once again proven its commitment to environmental sustainability by clinching the third position in the National Clean Air City Awards 2025.

The accolade, presented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) during the Swachh Vayu Survekshan Awards in New Delhi, recognises cities with populations under three lakh that have made significant strides in air quality improvement.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav awarded Angul a cash prize of Rs 12.5 lakh, lauding the town’s efforts in curbing pollution through infrastructure upgrades, public awareness campaigns, and stringent control over vehicular emissions.

A standout initiative has been the restriction of heavy truck movement within city limits over the past two years, which has contributed notably to cleaner air.

This marks Angul’s second appearance in the top ranks, having previously earned recognition in 2023.

It remains the only city from Odisha to break into the top three this year, underscoring its leadership in sustainable urban development.

Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar climbed from seventh to fifth place in the 3–10 lakh population category, and Talcher retained its fourth position among cities under three lakh. These rankings reflect Odisha’s growing commitment to environmental health and urban resilience.