Indore loses top rank in Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan due to PM10 levels, highlighting urban air quality governance challenges

Hindustan Times - India · 9 Sept 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Environment Mains · GS3 Environment and biodiversity High relevance

Indore, India's cleanest city, slipped to second position in the 2026 Clean Air Survey due to higher PM10 levels, exposing persistent urban air pollution governance challenges despite existing measures under the National Clean Air Programme.

Key points

Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan: The fifth edition of this national air quality ranking saw Lucknow (198/200) displace Indore (197/200) as the top performer among million-plus cities, based on the 2022-23 Swachh Vayu Survekshan Framework.

PM10 pollution: Indore's mayor attributed the one-point deficit primarily to elevated PM10 (particulate matter ≤10μm) levels from vehicular emissions, road dust, and industrial activity - a key urban air quality challenge under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

NCAP implementation: The survey results test the efficacy of NCAP measures like dust management and emission controls, with top performers Lucknow, Rourkela, and Kalinga Nagar receiving recognition from the Environment Ministry.

[GS3-Environment] PM10's health impacts connect to environmental governance as these respirable particles penetrate lungs, causing respiratory diseases - a growing urban public health concern under SDG 3.9.

Regional variations: In the 3-10 lakh population category, Rourkela (198.5) led, followed by Firozabad and Guntur, showing differential progress in air quality management across city tiers.

Policy response: Indore announced enhanced measures including 'Red Light On, Engine Off' campaigns, EV promotion, and e-bus expansion to address its high vehicle density - Madhya Pradesh's highest at 600+ vehicles per 1000 people.

Data paradox: Despite the ranking slip, Indore recorded a 15% PM10 reduction year-on-year per municipal data, with AQI below 200 on 98% of survey days, indicating complex air quality assessment metrics.

[GS2-Governance] The ranking methodology's transparency is crucial for municipal accountability, as cities like Jabalpur (195) and Bhopal/Agra (192) compete for central funding and prestige under NCAP.

Way Forward: Cities need real-time pollution source apportionment studies, integrated transport-land use planning, and stricter enforcement of construction dust norms, alongside NCAP's city-specific action plans for sustained air quality improvements.

Key terms

PM10

Particulate Matter ≤10 micrometers in diameter, primarily from vehicular exhaust, road dust, and industrial emissions. Regulated under National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), these respirable particles pose significant public health risks, driving urban air quality policies like NCAP and influencing Swachh Vayu rankings.

Swachh Vayu Survekshan

An annual national air quality ranking framework launched in 2022-23, evaluating cities on parameters like PM reduction, waste burning control, and public awareness. Part of NCAP, it incentivizes municipal action through competitive federalism and public accountability mechanisms.

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

Launched in 2019, this Rs.9,631 crore initiative targets 20-30% PM reduction by 2024 in 131 non-attainment cities. It combines city-specific action plans, performance-based funding, and real-time monitoring, representing India's first institutional response to urban air pollution.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

A composite measure (0-500 scale) of eight pollutants including PM2.5, PM10, and NO2, developed by CPCB. Governed by NAAQS, it informs public health advisories and policy responses under GS3 environmental governance frameworks.