Temporary reductions during lockdowns highlighted the potential of behavioural changes and stricter regulations to curb pollution, stated report. iStock
Pollution

Indian cities see 27% drop in air pollution since 2019 but usual suspects fare poorly: Report

Kolkata air improved most among major cities, Varanasi achieved biggest overall reduction

Preetha Banerjee

India achieved a 26.84 per cent reduction in nationwide PM levels between 2019 and 2024, according to a new report. Cities under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) saw a 24.45 per cent improvement, reflecting the impact of targeted interventions.

Despite these gains, the capital city of Delhi and Assam’s Byrnihat remain the most polluted in the country, with PM2.5 levels recorded at 107 microgramme per cubic metre (µg / m³) and 127.3 µg / m³, respectively, in 2024, showed the report by Respirer Living Sciences, a climate-tech startup. It was released on the sixth anniversary of NCAP.

Among major cities, Kolkata achieved a significant 21.5 per cent reduction, thanks to stricter industrial regulations and improvements in public transport, indicated the report Towards Clear Skies 2025: An In-Depth Analysis of Air Quality Improvements in Indian Cities (2019-2024).

Change in air quality in major Indian cities from 2019 to 2024

Varanasi emerged as the overall leader, achieving a remarkable 76.4 per cent reduction in air pollution, followed by Moradabad (58 per cent) and Kanpur (51.2 per cent). However, the northern region, including the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), continues to grapple with severe pollution episodes. Gurugram (96.7 µg / m³), Faridabad (87.1 µg / m³) and Ghaziabad (79.9 µg / m³) are among the cities in urgent need of targeted interventions.

Southern and western cities consistently reduced pollution levels, while northern cities struggled with poor air quality due to industrial emissions, vehicular pollution and seasonal factors like stubble burning.

The study, based on data from Respirer’s AtlasAQ platform, showed that NCAP cities have achieved an average reduction of 24 per cent in PM2.5 levels. Ronak Sutaria, founder of Respirer Living Sciences, characterised the findings as “a mix of hope and caution”. While cities in southern and western India, such as Bengaluru (8 per cent reduction) and Chennai (9.2 per cent reduction), showed steady improvements, the northern belt remains a hotspot for air pollution.

“India’s air quality story is a mix of successes and persistent challenges. Northern cities like Delhi, Faridabad and Gurugram require intensified action to combat pollution spikes,” said Sutaria.

Challenges and path ahead
The NCAP, launched in January 2019, aimed to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 20-30 per cent by 2024. The target was later revised to a 40 per cent reduction by 2026. While progress has been encouraging, several challenges persist.

Limited air quality monitoring infrastructure leaves smaller cities underrepresented in national data. Then, policy enforcement remains a struggle. Despite stricter regulations, industrial and vehicular emissions remain significant contributors to pollution in high-density zones.

Finally, events like stubble burning, industrial emissions, and winter smog exacerbate pollution in northern states.

Sutaria emphasised the urgency of accelerating efforts to meet NCAP’s 2026 targets. “Targeted actions, stronger compliance and innovative solutions tailored to India’s unique challenges are essential to achieving cleaner air,” he said.

The revised NCAP goal of a 40 per cent reduction by 2026 underscores the urgency of accelerating interventions in industrial, vehicular and agricultural sectors.

Temporary reductions during lockdowns highlighted the potential of behavioural changes and stricter regulations to curb pollution, the report added.

Finally, the report stressed the need for cleaner technologies, stronger enforcement, public awareness and expanded monitoring to sustain progress and address disparities, as pollution spikes during winter, driven by stubble burning and temperature inversions, remain a recurring issue.