Responding to the need to strengthen air quality management in smaller cities, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

Air pollution levels in the megacities of Asia show a stabilizing trend but still exceed World Health Organization guidelines. Studies also show poor air quality, not only in the megacities of Asia, but also in smaller cities with populations of 150,000 to 1.5 million. While megacities often receive support for improving air quality; similar assistance seldom reaches smaller cities.

In National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi, spreading ~900 Sq. km, the increasing air pollution poses a serious problem due to its direct impact on human health, such as increased incidences of chronic bronchitis, cancer of the respiratory tract, asthma, and induced premature mortality.

This briefing note is the first of a 3-part series on the subject of pollution monitoring in India. The note will support the thematic online map on

This document presented by the MoEF in response to a recent parliament question focuses on the state of pollution in our cities. Gobindgarh in Punjab has been rated as the most polluted city while Delhi has been rated as the most polluted metro followed by Kolkata.

Lok Sabha question and answer on most polluted cities in India.

The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games were widely acclaimed as one of the most spectacular sporting events ever held, not least as a result of the sumptuous and dazzling opening ceremony and the high standards of competition from athletics and swimming to horse-jumping and yachting. But what of the environment which along with sport and culture is the third pillar of Olympism?