As many as 108 cities covered under the Centre’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) exceeded the prescribed annual limit for PM10 pollution in each of the last three financial years, according to data presented by the government in the Lok Sabha on August 10.
Maharashtra recorded the highest number of such cities at 19, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 16. Andhra Pradesh had eight cities, while Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Punjab reported seven each. West Bengal had six and Rajasthan five.
The national ambient air quality standard for PM10 is 60 micrograms per cubic metre. PM10 consists of tiny airborne particles that can enter the respiratory system and contribute to health risks.
Despite the continued exceedances, the government said air quality has improved in many cities compared with the NCAP’s 2017-18 baseline year.
All 108 cities recorded a decline in PM10 concentrations in 2025-26 compared with their respective 2017-18 levels. Of these, 72 cities recorded reductions of more than 20%, while 26 achieved reductions exceeding 40%.
However, a decline from the baseline does not necessarily mean that a city has brought its annual PM10 concentration below the prescribed limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre.
The number of cities meeting the national ambient air quality standards increased from six in 2017-18 to 14 in 2025-26.
The National Clean Air Programme covers 130 non-attainment and million plus cities across 24 states and Union territories. Under the programme, cities have prepared action plans targeting major sources of pollution.
According to the government, source apportionment studies have been completed in 119 cities to identify the major contributors to pollution and guide city level interventions.
Measures being implemented include improving road infrastructure and paving, expanding green spaces, reducing traffic congestion, developing urban micro forests, shifting crematoriums to cleaner fuels and increasing electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The government has also established monitoring and coordination committees at the national, state and city levels. Real time Air Quality Index data is now available for 292 cities.
The Central Pollution Control Board has directed 17 categories of highly polluting industries to install online continuous emission monitoring systems to improve tracking of industrial emissions.
Financial support has also been provided under the programme. The Centre said ₹16,423.56 crore in performance-based incentive grants had been released to 130 cities between financial years 2019-20 and 2025-26.
An independent evaluation conducted in August 2025 also found measurable progress in strengthening India’s air quality management system and improving ambient air quality in several non attainment cities.
The latest figures, however, indicate that while pollution levels have declined in many urban areas, a large number of cities continue to remain above the prescribed PM10 standard, highlighting the need for sustained and targeted air-pollution control measures.