Swachh Vayu Survey 2026: The national ranking of Clean Air Survey-2026 has exposed the claims of air quality and pollution control in major cities of Rajasthan. In the national ranking of cities with a population of more than 10 lakh, the capital Jaipur has lagged behind at 20th place with 174 points, while Jodhpur has fallen to 24th and Kota to 37th place. The most serious impact of this deteriorating climate is now visible on the historical splendor of the city. Experts and environmentalists have warned that if concrete steps are not taken in time, due to pollution and soot, the color of world heritage sites like Hawa Mahal, Amer and Albert Hall will fade forever, due to which Jaipur can also lose its 'UNESCO World Heritage City' title.
Kota got 37th position
Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2026: Rajasthan's Jaipur got 20th position, Jodhpur got 24th position with 163.2 points and Kota got 37th position with 146.3 points. The matter of relief was only in the category with population of 3 to 10 lakh, where Alwar managed to make it to the top-10 by standing at 6th and Udaipur at 8th. But among small cities with population less than 3 lakh, no city of the state could be included in the national list.
Fear of tarnishing the city's image at international level
Environment and heritage experts have now expressed very serious concern about the increasing air pollution in Jaipur. Experts say that the excessive pressure of vehicles inside the wall, narrow streets and layer of dust and smoke are swallowing the original form of the Pink City. The soot accumulating on the ancient walls of Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort and Albert Hall is causing erosion of the stones. Experts clearly say that if air pollution is not controlled immediately, the city's image at the international level will be tarnished and Jaipur's heritage status under UNESCO's strict guidelines may be in danger.
Clean air is not only essential for breathing, but also for preserving Jaipur's centuries-old architecture and global identity. Now it has to be seen what strict steps the administration wakes up from its sleep and takes after lagging behind in the rankings.