Centre Clarifies: WHO Air Quality Guidelines Are Advisory; India Has Its Own Standards

Centre Says India Sets Its Own Air Quality Standards, WHO Guidelines Are Advisory

As air pollution continues to pose a major challenge, the Centre clarified in Parliament that India sets its own air quality norms, and global rankings from organisations like IQAir, WHO, and the Environmental Performance Index carry no official authority. The WHO’s air quality guidelines are advisory, intended to help countries frame standards suited to their geography, environment, and local conditions.

Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh highlighted that India has already notified its National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for 12 key pollutants to safeguard public health and the environment. The government also monitors urban air quality through its annual Swachh Vayu Survekshan, which ranks 130 cities under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) based on their pollution reduction efforts.

This statement comes months after IQAir’s 2024 report showed India failing to meet WHO’s air quality benchmarks, ranking fifth globally for smog levels. Thirteen of the world’s 20 most polluted cities were in India, with Byrnihat in Assam topping the list and Delhi named the most polluted capital.

Delhi, in particular, has faced hazardous air quality levels in recent months, highlighting the ongoing struggle for clean air despite the government’s regulatory framework.