India Maintains Own Air Quality Standards: Government Rejects Global Rankings as Unofficial

Dec 11, 2025 09:00 pm CST

India's government has clarified that it follows its own National Ambient Air Quality Standards rather than international rankings, which it considers unofficial. Environment Minister highlighted significant improvements in Delhi's air quality with "Good to Moderate" days increasing from 110 in 2016 to 200 in 2025, while farm fires have decreased by 90% compared to 2022. The country maintains PM2.5 standards at 60 μg/m³ (24-hour) and 40 μg/m³ (annual), considerably higher than WHO's recommended 15 μg/m³ and 5 μg/m³ respectively.