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NCR Air Quality: Delhi Sees PM10 Drop, Still Worst in Nation
8 Apr
Summary
- NCR cities remain India's most polluted despite PM10 reductions.
- Ghaziabad recorded highest annual PM10, over thrice the limit.
- Most cities fail to meet national air quality standards.
Seven years after the National Clean Air Programme's inception, an analysis by CREA indicates that air quality in India's National Capital Region (NCR) remains the country's most polluted. Delhi has achieved a 17% reduction in PM10 levels compared to its 2017-18 baseline, falling to 201 µg/m³ in 2025-26.
Despite this progress, NCR cities significantly exceed national standards. Ghaziabad registered the highest annual PM10 at 215 µg/m³, over three times the permissible limit. Noida and Meerut also show high levels, with Ghaziabad demonstrating a notable 24% reduction from its baseline. Gurugram was identified as the most polluted city in March 2026 for PM2.5.
The study highlights compliance challenges, with 89 of 96 cities exceeding national PM10 standards in 2025-26. Nationwide, PM10 levels decreased in 60 cities but increased in 30 compared to the previous year. Only 27 cities saw reductions exceeding 40%, underscoring the limited impact of current interventions.
Experts emphasize that addressing Delhi's air pollution requires a regional approach due to shared emission sources like vehicles, construction dust, and stubble burning. Complementary actions beyond particulate controls are needed, including addressing gaseous pollutants and ozone, which become more prominent in warmer months.
