According to the World Air Quality Report 2024 by IQAir, India is the 5th most polluted country, with an average PM2.5 level of 50.6 µg/m³, 10 times the WHO safe limit (5 µg/m³).
Key Points of the Revised WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs)
The 2021 AQGs set significantly lower recommended levels for major pollutants to better protect health.
Coverage of Six Key Pollutants – PM2.5, PM10, ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO).
Include stepwise interim targets to help countries progressively reduce pollution. Eg- Short-term and long-term average recommendations for NO₂ and CO
Provide guidance on specific particle types (black carbon, ultrafine particles)
Differences from the 2005 Update
More Stringent Pollutant Thresholds –
The annual PM2.5 guideline was halved, from 10 µg/m³ (2005) to 5 µg/m³ (2021)
PM10 and NO₂ limits are also significantly reduced.
Expanded Pollutant Coverage – include updated short-term exposure metrics and carbon monoxide.
Stronger Scientific Basis – incorporate global epidemiological data and new evidence on low-level health effects, unlike the more limited evidence base of 2005.
New emphasis on interim milestone targets for progressive improvement, unlike the broader recommendations in 2005.
Changes Required in India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
Revise Reduction Targets to align with WHO’s stricter limits rather than the current 20-40% reduction targets.
Broaden the air quality monitoring network to include more cities, rural zones, and all six pollutants to match WHO standards.
Improve enforcement and adopt binding air quality targets rather than advisory ones
Implement an airshed-based approach that addresses transport, industry, biomass burning and regional pollution transport collaboratively.
Integrate health impact data and public communication into NCAP, promoting behaviour change
Strengthening NCAP to meet WHO AQGs supports India’s Panchamrit climate goals, and long-term sustainable development objectives.