How Did 103 Indian Cities Reduce PM10 Concentration in 2024-25?
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Synopsis
Discover how 103 Indian cities have made remarkable strides in reducing PM10 levels in 2024-25 as part of the National Clean Air Programme. This significant achievement reflects the commitment to improving air quality and combatting pollution.
Key Takeaways
- 103 cities have reduced PM10 levels in 2024-25.
- 64 cities achieved over 20% reduction.
- 25 cities exceeded a 40% reduction.
- Rs 13,036.52 crore allocated for air quality measures.
- 1,612 monitoring stations across the nation.
New Delhi, Aug 4 (NationPress) The government announced in Parliament that 103 Indian cities have achieved a significant decrease in PM10 particulate matter levels for the year 2024-25, as part of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Initiated in 2019, this program aims to combat air pollution across India by focusing on 131 'non-attainment' cities and Million Plus Cities across 24 states. The initiative seeks to lower PM10 concentrations by 20-30 percent by 2024.
Out of these 103 cities, 64 experienced a reduction in PM10 levels exceeding 20 percent, while 25 cities have successfully reduced their PM10 levels by over 40 percent, according to Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, during a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
Additionally, 22 cities have met the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) with PM10 concentrations below 60 micrograms per cubic metre of air.
To tackle urban air pollution, Singh noted that a performance-linked grant of Rs 13,036.52 crore has been allocated to 130 cities from 2019-20 to present, serving as essential funding for implementing air quality improvement initiatives.
The program also enhances resource mobilization by converging various central government schemes, including the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), AMRUT, Smart City Mission, PM e-Bus Sewa, Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT), and Nagar Van Yojana, along with state government resources.
Under NCAP, an amount of Rs. 5,318 crore has been allocated to eight States/UTs in the Indo-Gangetic plain to implement action plans for 41 targeted cities.
Each city is required to formulate specific clean air action plans to implement measures aimed at addressing various sources of air pollution, including soil and road dust, vehicular emissions, waste burning, construction activities, and industrial pollution.
Moreover, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB) are responsible for monitoring ambient air quality.
To facilitate this, 1,612 monitoring stations have been established across 572 cities and four rural areas nationwide, as stated by the MoS.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the significant efforts made by Indian cities under the National Clean Air Programme. The achievements reported reflect a collective commitment to improving air quality, which is critical for public health and environmental sustainability. The progress made in reducing PM10 levels demonstrates that with targeted action and collaboration, substantial improvements in air quality can be realized.
NationPress
30/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Clean Air Programme?
The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched in 2019 to address air pollution in India, focusing on 131 non-attainment and Million Plus cities, aiming to reduce PM10 concentrations by 20-30% by 2024.
How many cities reduced PM10 levels?
A total of 103 Indian cities have reported a reduction in PM10 levels for the year 2024-25.
What funding has been allocated for air quality improvement?
A performance-linked grant of Rs 13,036.52 crore has been provided to 130 cities from 2019-20 to implement air quality improvement measures.
How is air quality monitored in India?
Air quality is monitored by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB) through 1,612 monitoring stations set up across 572 cities and four rural areas.
What are the sources of air pollution being targeted?
The action plans target sources of air pollution, such as soil and road dust, vehicular emissions, waste burning, construction activities, and industrial pollution.
