CPI (M) MP in Rajya Sabha V. Sivadasan asked the Environment Minister for information about India’s global ranking on air pollution. The question asked, what is India’s global ranking in air pollution metrics of IQAir World Air Quality Ranking, WHO Global Air Quality Database, Environmental Performance Index (EPI) and Global Burden of Disease (GBD) since 2020? Apart from this, what are the major parameters used by these indices to assess the pollution level? Has the Ministry conducted any review of the country’s performance in these international indices and what steps are being taken to improve the country’s position in global pollution assessments in future?
WHO Air quality guidelines are just a guiding document – Singh
Responding on behalf of the Central Government, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh said in the Rajya Sabha that the world-wide ranking of pollution levels of cities is not done by any official authority. The World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines are only a guidance document and are recommended standards for air pollutants to help countries achieve air quality. However, countries develop their air quality standards based on geographical, environmental, infrastructure, socio-economic conditions and national circumstances.
MoEFCC Clean Air Survey is conducted every year – Minister
The Minister said, “The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for 12 air pollutants to protect public health and environmental quality. Additionally, MoEFCC conducts the Swachh Vayu Survekshan every year, in which 130 cities under NCAP are ranked based on the implementation of various air quality improvement measures. The better performing cities are recognized on the annual National Clean Air Day. (7 September, 2025).”
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