Government Says Popular International Ratings are Not Recognized by Any Official Authority
The Central Government informed the Rajya Sabha on December 11 that no globally recognised, country-wise air pollution ranking has been issued by any official international body. Widely cited global assessments—including the IQ Air World Air Quality Report, the WHO Global Air Quality Database, the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) and Global Burden of Disease (GBD) studies – are not government-backed or officially validated rankings, the Environment Ministry clarified.
Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh, responding to questions raised by CPI(M) MP V. Sivadasan noted that these international reports are often misinterpreted as official rankings. He emphasised that they are independent assessments and not conducted by any government or inter-governmental authority.
Countries Set Their Own Standards
According to the Environment Ministry, the World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines are advisory in nature, intended only to help nations set aspirational goals. However, individual countries formulate their own ambient air quality standards based on local geography, environmental conditions, background emissions, socio-economic considerations and national priorities.
India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), last updated in 2009, specify regulatory limits for 12 pollutants. These standards, the Ministry reiterated, are tailored specifically to India’s environmental realities and public health requirements.
Improvement in Delhi’s Air Quality Recorded
In a separate reply to a question on Delhi’s pollution levels, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted a measurable improvement in the capital’s air quality over recent years. Data shared in Parliament shows:
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The number of “Good to Moderate” air quality days (AQI ≤ 200) has increased from 110 in 2016 to 200 in 2025 (till date).
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Delhi’s average AQI between January and November improved from 213 in 2018 to 187 in 2025.
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Not a single “Severe Plus” (AQI > 450) day has been recorded in 2025 so far.
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Farm fire incidents in Punjab and Haryana have declined by nearly 90 percent during the 2025 paddy harvesting period compared to 2022.
Officials attribute this progress to a sustained push under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), stricter enforcement against pollution sources, technological interventions and coordinated action across states.
India Conducts Its Own National Ranking
To assess the domestic air-quality efforts, the government runs the annual Swachh Vayu Survekshan, covering 130 cities under the NCAP. This ranking is based on on-ground implementation of approved clean-air measures. Top-performing cities are recognised on National Swachh Vayu Diwas, observed every year on 7 September.
India Continues with 2009 Standards Despite WHO Update
While the WHO tightened its air-quality norms in 2021 – setting a 24-hour PM2.5 guideline of 15 µg/m³ and an annual limit of 5 µg/m³ – India continues to follow its 2009 standards of 60 µg/m³ (24-hour) and 40 µg/m³ (annual). The government maintains that these benchmarks remain suitable considering India’s unique environmental and socio-economic context.
Whether the coming months showcase any significant improvement or not in Delhi-NCR’s air quality, is for time to show. However, the efforts to mitigate the situation are certainly being undertaken by the concerned authorities.
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