Observed globally on 7 September, the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies highlights urgent action against air pollution. India’s multi-sectoral response includes the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) across 130 cities. In FY 2025–26, 108 cities recorded lower PM10 levels than in 2017–18. Among them, 72 cities achieved reductions above 20%, while 26 recorded reductions above 40%. Strengthened monitoring, cleaner mobility, city-specific action and scientific interventions continue to advance India’s clean-air efforts.
Towards Cleaner Air: A Global and National Commitment
Clean air is fundamental to human health, environmental sustainability and economic well-being. As urbanisation and economic activity expand, addressing air pollution has become an important global priority. The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is observed globally on 7 September. The United Nations General Assembly designated the day in 2019 to strengthen global action against air pollution. India observes this occasion as Swachh Vayu Diwas, linking the global campaign with national priorities.
The Government of India is addressing this complex challenge through a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach combining air-quality monitoring, emission control and city-specific action plans. The Central Government is supporting States and cities through targeted programmes and policy interventions, while State Governments and district administrations play a critical role in implementing these measures on the ground.
Understanding Air Pollution
Air pollution occurs when harmful substances accumulate in the atmosphere at levels that can affect human health and the environment. Among them, the key air pollutant is Particulate Matter (PM), comprising tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air. Based on their size, these particles are commonly classified as PM10 (10 micrometres or less) and PM2.5 (2.5 micrometres or less). Their small size allows finer particles to penetrate deeper into the respiratory system, and some can even enter the bloodstream. This makes controlling particulate pollution an important priority for cleaner air and healthier communities.
India in Action to Mitigate Air Pollution
National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP): The Central Pollution Control Board initiated the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring programme, subsequently renamed NAMP. As on March 2026, the ambient air-quality monitoring network in the country comprises 1,646 stations across 603 cities in 28 States and 7 UTs, including manual stations and real-time stations.
The SAMEER mobile application and web portal provide near real-time AQI information for more than 292 cities, enhancing transparency and citizen awareness. Public Grievance Redressal Portals have also been established in all NCAP cities.
Air Pollution Monitoring in India
India uses specialised monitoring systems to track ambient air quality and pollution from industrial sources. Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System (CAAQMS) provides automated, real-time monitoring of ambient air quality, tracking pollutants such as PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂), Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O₃) and Ammonia (NH₃).
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System (AAQMS) covers both manual and automated monitoring systems, capable of detecting and quantifying critical air pollutants. In manual monitoring, air samples are collected over 24 hours and analysed in laboratories.
Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) monitor emissions directly at industrial sources. These systems are installed at 17 categories of highly polluting industries and continuously transmit monitoring data to regulatory authorities.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
AQI is a simple tool for citizens to understand air quality. It classifies air quality into 6 categories, from Good to Severe, based on pollutant concentrations and their potential health impacts. The categories are: Good (0-50), Satisfactory (51-100), Moderate (101-200), Poor (201-300), Very Poor (301-400), and Severe (401-500).
National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
Launched in 2019, NCAP addresses air pollution in urban areas in mission mode across 130 cities. It is a multi-sectoral initiative involving coordinated efforts of the Central and State Governments, Urban Local Bodies and other stakeholders.
Key Achievements of NCAP:
– 24 States/UTs and 130 cities have prepared State and City-specific Clean Air Action Plans
– ₹16,423.55 crore was provided to 130 cities during FY 2019-20 to FY 2025-26 through air-quality performance-linked grants
– Cities have reported utilization of ₹11,575.54 crore (70.5%) of the funds
– In FY 2025–26, 108 cities reduced annual PM10 concentrations compared with 2017–18, with 72 cities recording over 20% reduction, 26 over 40%, and 14 meeting NAAQS
Digital Tracking of Clean Air Progress
“PRANA” – Portal for Regulation of Air-Pollution in Non-Attainment cities – is a portal for managing and monitoring the implementation of NCAP, supporting tracking of physical and financial status of city air action plan implementation.
Swachh Vayu Survekshan is an annual assessment of 130 cities under NCAP, covering measures addressing major pollution sources and implementation of City-specific Clean Air Action Plans. The 2026 Survekshan recognised 10 best-performing cities across three categories. Lucknow ranked first in Category 1, Rourkela topped Category 2, while Kalinganagar led Category 3. Ward-level Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan was carried out in more than 7,400 wards across the country.
Sector-Wise Key Mitigation Measures
Vehicular Emissions:
– Introduction of BS VI compliant vehicles across the country since April 2020
– Promotion of electric vehicles through PM E-Drive scheme and PM E-Bus Sewa
– Establishment of charging infrastructure for E-vehicles
– Vehicle Scrapping Policy implementation through Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities
– PARIVARTAN scheme for fleet modernization in NCR
– In Delhi-NCR, CAQM directed States to allow only BS-VI/CNG/EV public transport buses into Delhi from 01.11.2026
Industrial Emission:
– MoEFCC notified environmental standards for industrial sectors
– CPCB classified 419 industrial sectors based on their pollution potential
– In Delhi-NCR, CAQM notified a standard list of approved fuels for industries
– 17 highly polluting industry categories directed to install OCEMS
– CAQM issued revised particulate matter emission norms of 50 mg/Nm³ applicable from 1 October 2026
Road Dust and Construction:
– CPCB published guidelines for C&D waste management and dust control
– SPCBs directed to deploy anti-smog guns at construction sites exceeding 20,000 sq. metres
– 70 Dust Control and Management Cells set up across NCR
– Online monitoring mechanism introduced for construction sites above 500 sqm in Delhi NCR
Open Waste Burning:
– Enforcement of Solid Waste, Plastic Waste, Hazardous Waste, E-Waste, Battery Waste and Biomedical Waste Management Rules
– Ban on 12 Single-Use Plastics items w.e.f. 1st July 2022
– Extended Producer Responsibility mandates producers to manage post-consumer waste
Crop Residue and Biomass Burning:
– CPCB supports paddy straw pelletisation and torrefaction plants with ₹37.16 crore sanctioned for 34 plants
– CAQM directed 5-10% biomass co-firing in thermal power plants within 300 km of Delhi
– Ministry of Agriculture provided ₹4,233.84 crore for crop residue management initiatives (2018-19 to 2025-26)
– Paddy stubble burning instances reduced by 93% in Punjab and 91% in Haryana in 2025 with respect to 2021
Afforestation and Green Cover:
– Green India Mission: ₹1,019.26 crore released to States as of March 2026
– Compensatory Afforestation Fund: Over 3.20 lakh hectares of compensatory afforestation undertaken (FY 2020–21 to 2024–25)
– Nagar Van Yojana: ₹557.62 crore released for developing 626 Nagar Vans/Vatikas
– Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam: 262.4 crore saplings planted by December 2025
Institutions Driving India’s Clean Air Goals
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): Statutory organisation established under the Water Act, 1974, entrusted with powers under the Air Act, 1981, working to improve air quality and prevent air pollution.
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): Constituted under the CAQM Act, 2021, as a dedicated statutory body for coordinated management of air pollution across the NCR airshed, coordinating GRAP implementation.
Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): Emergency response framework for managing worsening air quality in the NCR, bringing multiple agencies together to take graded measures based on pollution severity across four stages from ‘Poor’ to ‘Severe+’.
State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs): Key regulatory bodies responsible for controlling environmental pollution at the state level.
To bring greater transparency and efficiency in environmental regulation, the Government has amended the Air Act 1981 and Water Act 1974, notifying uniform consent guidelines. A Unified Consent and Authorization Management System (UCAMS) has also been launched by CPCB to facilitate online processing of consent applications by all SPCBs.
Way Forward
India’s clean-air efforts will increasingly focus on sustained, source-specific and science-based interventions. Strengthening air-quality monitoring further will enable better identification of pollution sources and emerging hotspots. Greater use of real-time data, forecasting and scientific modelling can support timely and targeted interventions.
States, cities and district administrations will remain central to translating national programmes into measurable improvements on the ground. Cleaner mobility, improved public transport and greater adoption of clean fuels can further reduce emissions from transport. Strengthening dust management, waste processing and industrial emission controls will address major urban pollution sources.
Continued innovation can enable cleaner technologies and more efficient pollution control systems. Public awareness and citizen participation will remain essential for sustaining behavioural change. India’s continued focus on collaborative governance and measurable outcomes can accelerate progress towards cleaner air and healthier communities.
Disclaimer: This is an abridged version of the original PIB article. All significant points and key messages have been retained. For complete details, please refer to the full article on www.pib.gov.in
