CM Naidu lauds improvement in air-quality rankings of cities in A.P.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu addressing the Collectors’ Conference in Amaravati on Friday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has appreciated the improved performance of several cities in the State in the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan (SVS) 2026 rankings and directed the Collectors to intensify time-bound measures to improve air quality.Reviewing the performance of Urban Local Bodies at the Collectors’ Conference at the Secretariat on Friday, Mr. Naidu noted that eight of the 13 Non-Attainment Cities in the State improved their national rankings.Eluru recorded the sharpest improvement, moving from 31st in 2025 to fourth in 2026. Guntur improved from sixth to second nationally, while Vijayawada moved from 13th to eighth and Nellore from 18th to ninth. Progress was also recorded by Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Chittoor and Anantapur.Andhra Pradesh recorded its best-ever SVS performance, securing five national and State-level awards with total prize money of ₹1.05 crore. Guntur secured second rank nationally in the city-level Category-II, winning ₹25 lakh. Vijayawada Ward-60 secured second national rank in the ward-level category, receiving ₹30 lakh.Mr. Naidu asked the Collectors to identify city-specific pollution sources and implementation gaps. Stressing that clean air was vital for public health, quality of life and sustainable urban development, he directed the Collectors to ensure all cities improve their liveability index. Published - September 11, 2026 08:28 pm IST