Strengthen monitoring, cut dust emissions, expand green cover to improve air quality
India is the sixth most polluted country in terms of levels of fine particulate matter, a major air pollutant, according to the 2025 World Air Quality Report by IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company. Loni in Ghaziabad has been found to be the most polluted city in the world, with a PM2.5 concentration of 112.5 µg/m³, representing a nearly 23% increase from the previous year. This is followed by the Chinese city of Hotan.
Pakistan is the most polluted country. All of the world’s 25 most polluted cities are located in India, Pakistan and China, with India being home to three of the four most polluted cities, with PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) limits by 5 to 10 times.
The report analysed data from monitoring stations across 9,446 cities in 143 countries. The WHO recommends an annual average limit of 5 µg/m³ for PM2.5, whereas India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) set the limit at 40 µg/m³. PM2.5 refers to fine inhalable particulate matter that is about 30 times thinner than a human hair and can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, leading to serious health issues. Compared to the previous year, 54 countries recorded a rise in annual average PM2.5 levels, while 75 saw a decline.
The WHO has said that particulate matter and other pollutants in household air pollution inflame the airways and lungs, impair immune response, and reduce the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Media reports have said that, in recent years, citizens have suffered due to air pollution, and this is also true for Goa.
Air pollution in Goa has become a matter of concern, primarily due to intense construction activity, road dust, movement of uncovered trucks carrying construction material and vehicular emissions. Once considered pristine, many areas now experience air that does not meet WHO guidelines, leading to a rise in respiratory ailments among residents. Media reports in 2024-25 said that air quality in places such as Porvorim and Panaji touched the “poor” category and paediatricians and pulmonologists reported a spike in respiratory complaints. Major factors included dust from construction of elevated highway at Porvorim, flyovers, building activity and vehicle emissions. Coal dust also caused concern in the Vasco area.
When construction of the Porvorim bypass began, dust pollution led to several people falling ill. This was also attributed to inadequate dust suppression measures. A PIL was filed, following which the roads were watered to control dust. In Vasco, protests by residents led to authorities taking measures.
An analysis of air quality trends from 2017 to 2025 across urban, mining and industrial monitoring stations indicates that while most locations recorded levels ranging from “Good” to “Satisfactory”, rising urbanisation and dust-related emissions remain key concerns, according to the State of the Environment Report 2025. The Goa State Pollution Control Board has taken steps to curb pollution, but particulate pollution continues to pose a challenge.
To tackle air pollution, the Centre has introduced measures including stricter vehicle emission standards, restrictions on polluting industrial fuels and promotion of cleaner cooking fuels. The National Clean Air Programme was launched in 2019 to improve air quality in 131 cities, and a National Air Quality Monitoring Programme has also been set up. However, progress on the ground has been limited.
While public debate often focuses on health, the economic impact of polluted air is also significant. It affects productivity and growth. Strengthening monitoring systems, expanding green cover and improving public transport, including cleaner fuels, could help address the issue.
