According to a study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) titled 'Tracing the Hazy Air 2026', 96 per cent of India’s persistently polluted cities do not have a clean air action plan
The study noted that only 67 cities are currently covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Representational Pic/File
Mumbai continues to struggle with air pollution, even as a study shows that most polluted cities in India lack proper clean air action plans.
According to a study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) titled “Tracing the Hazy Air 2026”, 96 per cent of India’s persistently polluted cities do not have a clean air action plan.
Using satellite data, the study analysed PM2.5 pollution levels in 4,041 cities and towns across India. It found that 1,787 cities exceeded the national annual PM2.5 limit every year between 2019 and 2024, excluding the Covid-affected year of 2020.
It means nearly 44 per cent of Indian cities are facing long-term or chronic air pollution, the report suggests.
Limited coverage under clean air programme
The study noted that only 67 cities are currently covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
Even among these cities, progress has been limited. Only 51 cities met the initial target of reducing PM10 pollution by 20–30 per cent, while just 23 cities achieved the revised 40 per cent reduction target.
Mumbai’s air quality trend
In Mumbai, annual PM2.5 levels in 2025 remained similar to those recorded in 2024, showing no major improvement in air quality.
Within the city Deonar was the most polluted monitoring station followed by Worli and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). However, Kandivali East recorded the highest number of days when PM2.5 levels exceeded the daily national air quality standard in 2025.
Maharashtra pollution status
The study found that eight cities in Maharashtra exceeded the annual PM2.5 standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
It also revealed that all Maharashtra cities covered under the NCAP failed to meet PM10 standards, indicating continued problems with coarse particulate pollution.
Most polluted cities in India
At the national level, the study identified Byrnihat, Delhi and Ghaziabad as the most polluted cities in terms of PM2.5 levels.
For PM10 pollution, Delhi ranked worst, followed by Ghaziabad and Greater Noida, the report stated.
It said that overall 190 cities exceeded the annual PM10 standard, 103 cities exceeded the annual PM2.5 standard
Call for stronger action
The findings highlight the urgent need for stronger air pollution control measures, especially in major cities like Mumbai, where pollution levels remain consistently high despite existing programmes.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
