Mapping air quality trends across 336 cities in India: Insights from three decades of monitoring (1987-2019)

Over a span of 34 years (1987-2019), an in-depth analysis of PM10, SO2, and NO2 trends across India was conducted using data from the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme's manual monitoring stations in 336 cities. The study encompassed six geographical regions over three time blocks, revealing a correlation between the expansion of monitoring networks and the nation's economic growth. Regions like the densely populated Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) and Central India consistently hosted more monitoring stations, while the Himalayan and Northeast regions saw substantial increases from initial scarcity. SO2 concentrations showed a declining trend, while NO2 levels remained relatively stable with intermittent fluctuations. Conversely, national average PM10 concentrations exhibited an upward trajectory, notably spiking by 128 % between 2006 and 2009 due to economic activities, construction, network expansion, the 2009 drought, and heightened coal consumption. Spatially, pollutant concentrations across three blocks demonstrated improved SO2 levels, several cities exceeding NO2 standards, and persistently high PM10 levels in the IGP. PM10 levels in block 3 were lower than in block 2, reflecting effective policy interventions. State rankings, however, did not consistently reflect pollutant trends across blocks. Regionally, the IGP consistently had the highest PM10 concentrations, while the Northeast recorded the lowest. Population-weighted exposure levels indicated an overall increase in public exposure to PM10. Analysis of major city per region aligned with national trends, as evidenced by Delhi (IGP), Guwahati (Northeast), Vadodara (Northwest), and Bhopal (Central) showing increased PM10 concentrations since 2006, followed by intermittent declines. In contrast, Shimla (Himalayan) and Chennai (Southern) exhibited distinct patterns. Major industrial cities such as Parwanoo, Bongaigaon, Angul and Talcher, and Visakhapatnam mirrored national trends, with PM10 levels rising since 2009, highlighting the significant impact of industrial activities on air quality. This research underscores the need for targeted, effective mitigation strategies based on spatial and temporal pollutant trends.