Hyderabad has made significant progress in improving its air quality, achieving a 26% reduction in Particulate Matter (PM10) concentrations in the 2023-24 period compared to 2017-18, according to the Environment Ministry. The average annual PM10 level in the city dropped from 110 µg/m³ in 2017-18 to 81 µg/m³ in 2023-24, showcasing a notable improvement.
This achievement is part of the Ministry of Environment and Forests’ efforts to enhance air quality across the country. Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, highlighted Hyderabad’s success as a key example of how cities are making progress in reducing air pollution.
At a national level, 97 out of 130 cities in India recorded a decrease in PM10 concentrations in the 2023-24 fiscal year compared to 2017-18. Among these, 55 cities achieved a reduction of 20% or more, while 18 cities met the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM10 levels during this period.
Hyderabad’s improvement is part of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which was launched in 2019 to combat air pollution in 130 non-attainment and major cities across India. The NCAP initially set a target to reduce PM concentrations by 20-30% by 2024, later updating the goal to achieve a 40% reduction or bring PM10 levels down to the national standard of 60 µg/m³ by 2025-26.
To support these efforts, the Environment Ministry has allocated ₹11,211 crore to help cities implement City Action Plans (CAPs). These plans are being executed with support from various central government schemes, including the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), AMRUT, and the Smart Cities Mission.
Hyderabad’s success underscores the effectiveness of these initiatives in reducing harmful air pollutants, contributing to improved urban health and sustainability.
