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Health
Delhi Ranks 21st in Clean Air Survey 2026 Amid Winter Smog
✍️ Amar Ujala · Delhi
🗓 07 Sep 2026, 10:50 PM
👁 4
The Centre's Clean Air Survey 2026 places Delhi at 21st among Indian cities with populations over one million, despite worsening winter haze.
Delhi's air quality continued to deteriorate this winter, making breathing uncomfortable for residents. In the latest Clean Air Survey released by the central government, the capital city slipped to the 21st position among Indian metros with populations exceeding one million. The ranking reflects a modest improvement from earlier years but still signals hazardous pollution levels, especially during the colder months.
The survey, conducted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, assesses parameters such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide. Delhi's PM2.5 concentration remains well above the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, prompting health warnings from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee.
Authorities have urged citizens to limit outdoor activities, use masks, and rely on air purifiers where possible. The government has also pledged to accelerate the rollout of green initiatives, including expanding the city's electric vehicle fleet and enhancing public transport to curb emissions.
While the 21st rank is a slight shift upward compared to previous surveys, experts caution that without sustained policy enforcement, the city could revert to poorer rankings during peak winter pollution episodes.
The report underscores the urgent need for coordinated action between central and state agencies to improve air quality and protect public health in the nation's capital.
The survey, conducted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, assesses parameters such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide. Delhi's PM2.5 concentration remains well above the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, prompting health warnings from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee.
Authorities have urged citizens to limit outdoor activities, use masks, and rely on air purifiers where possible. The government has also pledged to accelerate the rollout of green initiatives, including expanding the city's electric vehicle fleet and enhancing public transport to curb emissions.
While the 21st rank is a slight shift upward compared to previous surveys, experts caution that without sustained policy enforcement, the city could revert to poorer rankings during peak winter pollution episodes.
The report underscores the urgent need for coordinated action between central and state agencies to improve air quality and protect public health in the nation's capital.