The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies

Syllabus: GS3/Environment

Context

• The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is observed globally on 7 September. 
  • The United Nations General Assembly designated the day in 2019 to strengthen global action against air pollution.

Air Pollution

• Air pollution occurs when harmful substances accumulate in the atmosphere at concentrations that can affect human health and the environment. 
• Pollutants may be present as gases, liquid droplets or solid particles and can originate from natural processes as well as human activities.
• Common air pollutants include: Particulate Matter (PM), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Ozone (O3), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Lead etc.
• Particulate Matter (PM) are tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere that are commonly classified as PM10 and PM2.5. 
  • PM10 particles measure 10 micrometres or less in diameter, while PM2.5 particles measure 2.5 micrometres or less. 
  • Their small size enables finer particles to penetrate deeper into the respiratory system, with some potentially entering the bloodstream. 

Air Pollution in India (World Air Quality Report 2025)

• India was ranked sixth amongst the world’s most polluted countries, with a national average PM2.5 concentration of 48.9 g/m. 
  • That is nearly ten times the WHO’s safe limit of 5 g/m.
• All of the world’s top 25 most polluted cities were either in Pakistan, India, or in China.
• Loni in Ghaziabad was the world’s most polluted city in 2025, recording an annual average PM2.5 of 112.5 g/m. Following right behind was Byrnihat in Meghalaya, ranking third globally, while Delhi came in fourth.

Government Initiatives to Curb Air Pollution in India

• National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP): The Central Pollution Control Board initiated the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (NAAQM) programme. It was subsequently renamed NAMP.
  • Its objectives are to periodically evaluate air pollution, determine the status and trend of ambient air quality in the urban areas, and estimate future changes.
• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Launched in 2019, NCAP is a comprehensive initiative with the goal of reducing air pollution in identified cities and regions across India.
  • The program focuses on improving air quality monitoring, implementing stricter emission standards, and promoting public awareness.
• Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) Emission Standards: The government implemented BS-VI emission standards for vehicles nationwide in 2020.
  • These standards aim to reduce vehicular emissions by mandating the use of cleaner fuel and more advanced emission control technologies.
• Swachh Vayu Survekshan is an annual assessment of 130 cities under the NCAP. Launched in 2022-23, it is an initiative of the MoEFCC.
  • The assessment covers measures addressing major pollution sources and implementation of City-specific Clean Air Action Plans. 
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): The PMUY scheme aims to provide clean cooking fuel to households by promoting the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as an alternative to traditional biomass-based cooking methods. 
• FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) Scheme: The FAME scheme promotes the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce air pollution caused by vehicular emissions.
  • Incentives are provided to both manufacturers and consumers to encourage the use of electric vehicles.
• Green Initiatives for Sustainable Habitat (GRIHA): GRIHA is an initiative to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in the construction and operation of buildings.
  • It encourages the use of energy-efficient technologies and materials to reduce pollution.
• Waste Management Programs: Proper waste management is crucial to prevent the burning of waste, which contributes to air pollution.
  • Various waste management initiatives, including the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, aim to address solid waste issues and promote cleaner disposal methods.
• Commission for Air Quality Management: The Commission has been set up for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas for better coordination, research, identification, and resolution of problems surrounding the air quality index.
• Afforestation Programs: Initiatives like the Green India Mission aim to increase tree cover, which can help absorb pollutants and improve air quality.

Way Ahead

• India’s clean-air efforts will increasingly focus on sustained, source-specific and science-based interventions.
• Strengthening air-quality monitoring further will enable better identification of pollution sources and emerging hotspots. 
• States, cities and district administrations will remain central to translating national programmes into measurable improvements on the ground. 
• Continued innovation can enable cleaner technologies and more efficient pollution control systems. 
• India’s continued focus on collaborative governance and measurable outcomes can accelerate progress towards cleaner air and healthier communities.

Source: PIB