Delhi continues to rank among the most polluted cities in the National Capital Region (NCR), despite recording a 17 per cent decline in PM10 levels compared to 2017-18, according to a recent study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). The national capital recorded an annual average PM10 concentration of 201 micrograms per cubic metre in 2025-26, more than three times the national standard of 60 micrograms per cubic metre.
The study highlighted that Ghaziabad recorded the highest PM10 concentration in the country at 215 micrograms per cubic metre, followed by Delhi at 201 and Noida at 195. The findings underscore persistent air quality challenges, with pollution in Delhi being influenced not only by local sources but also by emissions from neighbouring NCR cities such as Ghaziabad, Noida, Gurugram, and Faridabad.
Across India, the analysis showed that 79 cities improved their PM10 levels compared to the 2017-18 baseline, with 27 cities achieving reductions of over 40 per cent. However, 14 cities recorded higher PM10 concentrations, three cities showed no change, and 89 out of 96 monitored cities continued to exceed national air quality standards, reflecting the broader regional nature of particulate pollution.
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Monthly data for March 2026 revealed ongoing concerns in the NCR, with Gurugram emerging as the most polluted city in the country, followed by Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida. While 220 out of 251 cities maintained PM2.5 levels below India’s daily standard, only three met the stricter World Health Organization (WHO) safe limit, indicating that achieving cleaner air remains a distant goal.
Experts emphasised the importance of stronger, region-wide interventions under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to address both local and transboundary sources of pollution. Measures such as stricter industrial emissions standards, enhanced monitoring, and improved traffic management are critical to reducing particulate matter levels and improving overall air quality in Delhi and its surrounding cities.
The study highlights that while progress has been made, Delhi and the NCR region still face significant environmental and public health challenges, making sustained policy action and community engagement essential for cleaner, safer air.
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