More than 80% of people living in urban areas that monitor air pollution are exposed to air quality levels that exceed WHO limits. While all regions of the world are affected, populations in low-income cities are the most impacted. According to the latest urban air quality database, 98% of cities in low- and middle income countries with more than 100 000 inhabitants do not meet WHO air quality guidelines. However, in high-income countries, that percentage decreases to 56%.

Question raised in Rajya Sabha on Least visible pollutant particle in air in major cities , 09/05/2016. The total Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) in ambient air is comprised of PM10 (particulate matter less than 10 micron), PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 micron) and PM1. The least visible particulate matter i.e. PM1 (particulate matter less than 1 micron) is significantly smaller than PM2.5 is not monitored by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as the same is not regulated.

Question raised in Lok Sabha on Monitoring of Air Pollution, 03/05/2016. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is monitoring the ambient air quality in the country including metropolitan cities in association with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) / Pollution Control Committee (PCCs) of UTs, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) under the scheme “National Air Quality Monitoring Programme” (NAMP).

Question raised in Lok Sabha on Pollution in Two-Tier Cities, 26/04/2016. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is monitoring ambient air quality in 74 Tier-II cities. The ambient air quality data for the period 2015 pertaining to two-tier cities in the country given at Annexure. Analysis of data shows that 41 cities exceed the ambient air quality standard. In addition these cities are also facing problem of water pollution due to discharges of untreated sewage.