India reports mixed air quality results as 108 cities improve PM10 levels

To mark the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, also known as Swachh Vayu Diwas, the Indian government released data regarding the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Recent findings show that 108 of the 130 cities monitored under the program recorded a reduction in annual PM10 concentrations for the 2025-26 fiscal year compared to the 2017-18 baseline. However, 22 cities reported an increase in pollution levels.

Justice (Retired) Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal, emphasized that clean air is a fundamental need rather than a luxury. He noted that development and environmental conservation can coexist and urged local bodies to adopt new technologies and engage in a ‘Whole of Society’ approach to prevent pollution at its source.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change also recognized the best-performing cities and wards during the event. The rankings were determined through a multi-stage process involving self-assessment, state-level monitoring, and evaluation by the Central Pollution Control Board.