In Short : India’s urban air quality landscape showed notable improvement in 2024–25, with 103 cities reporting lower PM10 pollution levels compared to 2017–18. The trend reflects years of sustained clean air planning, improved monitoring, and on-ground interventions that collectively address major sources of particulate pollution while strengthening long-term urban environmental resilience.
In Detail : Air pollution has remained a persistent challenge for Indian cities, driven by rapid urbanization, rising population density, and increased energy and transport demands. Over time, deteriorating air quality has raised serious concerns about public health, environmental sustainability, and economic productivity, making comprehensive and sustained intervention an urgent national priority.
In 2024–25, a total of 103 cities demonstrated measurable improvement by recording lower PM10 levels compared to the 2017–18 baseline. This progress did not occur overnight but represents the cumulative impact of several years of planning, implementation, and refinement of air quality management strategies across diverse urban contexts.
PM10 particles, which include dust, smoke, and other fine pollutants, are particularly dangerous due to their ability to enter the lungs and bloodstream. Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, reduced lung function, and increased vulnerability among children and the elderly, making their reduction a critical public health objective.
One of the most important contributors to the observed decline has been the adoption of localized pollution control measures. Cities have focused on curbing emissions from vehicles, improving traffic flow, regulating construction and demolition activities, controlling industrial discharges, and reducing road dust through mechanized cleaning and water sprinkling.
Strengthened air quality monitoring systems have played a central role in supporting these efforts. Expanded monitoring networks and improved data analysis have enabled authorities to identify pollution hotspots, assess seasonal trends, and evaluate the effectiveness of specific interventions, allowing for more informed and timely decision-making.
Institutional capacity within urban local bodies has also improved significantly over this period. Training programs, technical support, and enhanced access to financial resources have enabled city administrations to plan and execute air quality measures with greater efficiency, accountability, and consistency.
Community awareness and public participation have increasingly complemented regulatory actions. Citizens, businesses, and civil society groups have contributed by adopting cleaner practices, supporting pollution-reduction initiatives, and engaging more actively in discussions around environmental responsibility and urban sustainability.
Despite the positive outcomes recorded in many cities, air pollution remains a complex issue influenced by weather patterns, economic activity, and regional factors. Some urban areas continue to face high pollution levels, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring, adaptive planning, and long-term commitment.
The reduction in PM10 levels across 103 cities stands as an important indicator that sustained, coordinated, and data-driven approaches can deliver tangible environmental benefits. Building on this progress will require maintaining policy focus, expanding successful interventions, and ensuring that clean air remains a central pillar of urban development strategies.
