India Reports Major Drop in PM10 Levels in 103 Cities Under NCAP
New Delhi, Dec 1 — Just over a hundred cities under India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) have recorded a reduction in PM10 levels in 2024–25, the government informed Parliament on Monday. The update marks one of the most significant improvements since NCAP began in 2019.
In a written statement in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh said that 103 out of 130 cities registered an improvement in PM10 concentrations compared to the 2017–18 baseline.
Timeline of the Announcement
2017–18: Baseline PM10 levels recorded across 130 non-attainment cities
2019: NCAP launched by MoEFCC to cut pollution by 20–30% by 2024
2019–2024: Cities implement Clean Air Action Plans
Dec 1, 2024: Government reveals improvement in 103 cities
Key Findings Shared in Parliament
Minister Singh informed the House that:
- 103 cities showed reduced PM10 levels
- 64 cities achieved more than 20% reduction
- 25 cities achieved over 40% improvement
- 22 cities now meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards (PM10 < 60 µg/m3)
One of the notable improvements was seen in Delhi, where PM10 levels dropped from 241 µg/m3 in 2017–18 to 203 µg/m3 in 2024–25.
Other major cities also showed significant progress:
| City | 2017–18 | 2024–25 |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | 161 | 90 |
| Kolkata | 147 | 92 |
| Ahmedabad | 164 | 103 |
| Hyderabad | 110 | 81 |
| Bengaluru | 92 | 68 |
Minister Singh attributed the progress to the targeted actions taken under NCAP and ongoing monitoring at 836 stations across 130 cities.
On-Ground Observations and Public Response
Although there were no formal eyewitness accounts, several residents in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru reported clearer skies in the early winter months compared to past years. Local NGOs working on clean air initiatives told TheTrendingPeople.com that they witnessed increased enforcement on:
- Dust control at construction sites
- Crackdown on waste burning
- Better traffic management in high-congestion zones
However, many environmental activists said the improvements need more consistency, especially in northern India where winter pollution remains high.
Statements from Authorities and Officials
Highlighting the government’s financial support, Minister Singh said:
“Performance-linked grant of ₹13,415.43 crore has been provided to 130 cities to implement mitigation measures under NCAP.”
He added that air quality action plans target major sources:
- Road and soil dust
- Vehicular emissions
- Construction and demolition waste
- Industrial pollution
- Biomass and waste burning
Officials also confirmed that monitoring and assessments are done annually by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Background: Past Struggle with Urban Air Pollution
Launched in January 2019, NCAP aims to tackle air pollution systematically across non-attainment cities—urban areas that consistently fail to meet national clean air standards.
Past studies show:
- Air pollution contributes to over 1.6 million deaths annually in India
- PM10 and PM2.5 remain the biggest pollutants in urban regions
- Northern states face severe inversion layers during winter, trapping pollutants
Despite several winter crises—especially in Delhi-NCR—NCAP continues to show steady structural improvement across cities.
Why This Development Matters
1. Health Impact
Cleaner air significantly improves public health by reducing the risk of:
- Respiratory disease
- Heart disease
- Asthma
- Stroke
2. Economic Significance
The World Bank estimates India loses over $95 billion annually due to pollution-related health costs and productivity losses.
3. National and Global Importance
India, home to 14 of the world’s most polluted cities, faces global pressure to improve air quality ahead of:
- COP climate negotiations
- International investment reviews
- G-20 environmental commitments
A reduction in PM10 across 103 cities signals progress toward long-term climate and public health goals.
Analysis: What the Numbers Really Mean
While the government’s report indicates broad improvements, experts suggest interpreting the data cautiously.
What’s encouraging
- Many improvements are consistent across multiple years
- Strong progress in major metros suggests effective implementation
- Increased funding and monitoring have helped cities enforce rules better
What remains challenging
- Winter pollution spikes still persist
- PM2.5, the more dangerous pollutant, requires stronger action
- Many cities still struggle with construction dust and vehicle emissions
- Climate change-driven weather extremes worsen pollution events
Environmental experts told TheTrendingPeople.com that India will need stricter policies on:
- Public transport electrification
- Urban planning reform
- Industrial emission control
- Waste management systems
Conclusion
The reduction in PM10 levels in 103 NCAP cities marks a promising step in India’s long fight against air pollution. However, sustained effort, stricter enforcement, and long-term policy reforms are essential to maintain progress—especially with winter pollution continuing to pose a major health challenge.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
India’s NCAP results signal meaningful progress toward cleaner air, but continued momentum is essential. With 103 cities showing improvement, the efforts of local bodies, regulators, and community groups are beginning to deliver measurable outcomes. Still, winter pollution and PM2.5 levels remain stubborn challenges. To secure long-lasting air quality gains, India must deepen structural reforms, expand clean mobility, and ensure accountability across urban infrastructure and industries. The road ahead requires consistency, planning, and a strong commitment to public health. The improving data is encouraging—but the mission is far from complete.