New Delhi, 6 Aug

India has 1,646 operational Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AAQMS) across 603 cities in 28 States and seven Union Territories, the Government informed the Rajya Sabha in response to a question by MP Mansoor Ali Khan.

Maharashtra has the highest number of monitoring stations at 177, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 164 and West Bengal with 109. Lakshadweep has the lowest number with just one station, while the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Tripura have four each.

The Government also said ₹16,423.56 crore had been released under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) between 2019-20 and 2025-26, of which ₹11,579.06 crore had been utilised. This represents around 70% utilisation of the funds released.

Khan expressed concern over the utilisation rate, saying monitoring pollution was only the first step and that the focus should be on translating data into effective action.

He called for timely utilisation of funds, stronger implementation and a scientific assessment of whether the existing monitoring network is adequate.

“Clean air is not a privilege — it is a fundamental right, and every rupee allocated must result in measurable improvements in the air that Indians breathe,” he said.

Khan also pointed out that the Government’s response did not provide an assessment of whether the country’s monitoring network was adequate. It did not indicate whether the existing stations provided sufficient geographical coverage, addressed regional gaps or reflected the country’s air pollution burden.

He said India must move beyond counting monitoring stations and ensure the network is scientifically planned and capable of guiding effective air quality interventions.