India's Stance on Global Air Quality Rankings

The Indian government clarified in Parliament that global air quality rankings by various organisations are unofficial and that WHO guidelines are advisory. India has its own air quality standards and ranks cities under the Swachh Vayu Survekshan. The Environment Ministry emphasized setting national standards based on local conditions.

The Indian government, addressing Parliament on Thursday, dismissed the validity of global air quality rankings cited by various organisations, stating that these assessments, such as IQAir's World Air Quality Ranking, don't have official sanction. The Ministry of Environment clarified that World Health Organisation's (WHO) air quality guidelines are merely advisory, not enforceable standards.

Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh emphasized that WHO guidelines are designed to assist nations in developing their own air quality standards based on geographical, environmental, and local factors. India has established its own National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for protecting public health and environmental quality, covering 12 specific pollutants.

Furthermore, while there is no international ranking of countries for air quality, India independently assesses and ranks its cities through the annual Swachh Vayu Survekshan under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The best-performing cities are recognized on National Swachh Vayu Diwas, held each year on September 7.

(With inputs from agencies.)