Angul, a prominent town in Odisha, has earned national recognition by securing the third position in the National Clean Air City Awards 2025 under the category of cities with a population below three lakhs.
The results were announced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) during the Swachh Vayu Survekshan Awards & Wetland Cities Recognition Ceremony held in New Delhi.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav presented the award, which included a cash prize of ₹12.50 lakh. Angul was lauded for its significant strides in improving air quality through infrastructure upgrades, public awareness campaigns, and strict control over polluting vehicles. The town has notably restricted the movement of heavy trucks within its limits over the past two years, contributing to cleaner air.
This marks Angul’s second appearance in the top ranks, having previously won the award in 2023. It remains the only city from Odisha to break into the top three this year. Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar improved its ranking in the 3–10 lakh population category, climbing from seventh to fifth place, and Talcher retained its fourth position in the under-three-lakh category.
The recognition highlights Odisha’s growing commitment to sustainable urban development and environmental health.
