India National Clean Air Programme progress

To mark the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, the Indian government released data from the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The findings indicated that 108 of the 130 monitored cities saw a reduction in annual PM10 concentrations for the 2025-26 fiscal year compared to the 2017-18 baseline, though 22 cities reported increased pollution levels.

In conjunction with these findings, the Clean Air Survey 2026 recognized specific cities and wards for their pollution management efforts. Indore ranked second nationally for air quality management, citing initiatives like mechanized road sweeping, green belt expansion, and electric vehicle promotion. At the ward level, Ward 7 of the Nashik Municipal Corporation placed third nationally.

The government distributed a total of 5.25 crore rupees to top-performing cities and 2.70 crore rupees to outstanding wards to support continued environmental conservation. During the recognition ceremonies, National Green Tribunal Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava emphasized that clean air is a ‘fundamental need rather than a luxury’ and called for a ‘Whole of Society’ approach to pollution prevention.