The Centre informed the India Rajya Sabha that no official global ranking for air pollution by country exists. The widely referenced international indices, such as the IQAir World Air Quality Report, WHO Global Air Quality Database, Environmental Performance Index, and Global Burden of Disease metrics, not issued by any official authority.
India Rejects Global Air Quality Rankings
Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh said in a written reply that the World Health Organisation’s air quality guidelines are only recommendations to help countries to achieve better air quality. Countries create their own air quality standards based on geography, environmental factors, background levels, socio-economic status, and national conditions.
He was answering questions from CPI(M) MP V Sivadasan about India’s yearly position in different global air quality rankings since 2020, along with the criteria used by these indices. The Ministry clarified that it established National Ambient Air Quality Standards for 12 pollutants in 2009 to protect public health and the environment. These standards designed for India’s specific situation.
Average AQI improved from 213 to 187
To answer to another question about Delhi’s air quality, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav pointed out significant improvements in recent years due to targeted policy actions
- The number of “Good to Moderate” air quality days (AQI less than or equal to 200) in Delhi increased from 110 in 2016 to 200 in 2025 so far.
- The average AQI (January-November) improved from 213 in 2018 to 187 in 2025.
- Not a single day in 2025 had “Severe Plus” (AQI over 450) air quality in the national capital.
- Farm fire incidents in Punjab and Haryana together dropped by around 90 % in the 2025 paddy harvesting season compared to 2022.
The government also conducts its own annual Swachh Vayu Survekshan, ranking 130 cities under the National Clean Air Programme based on the actual implementation of air-quality improvement actions. Top performers receive recognition each year on National Swachh Vayu Diwas, which is celebrated on September 7.
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