Real-time air quality monitoring
Browse pollutant-wise readings from CPCB monitoring stations across India (sub-indices for PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and other parameters as published). Values are per pollutant at each station—not a single composite “headline” AQI number. Data is synced into DeshSeva from the national ambient monitoring network coordinated by the Central Pollution Control Board.
Data last synced to our database: .
518 monitoring stations indexed.
Map of India
Station and state overlays use CPCB sub-index values for the selected pollutant. Hover a marker or state for a quick view; click to open that station or state page.
Guide to real-time air quality on DeshSeva
Introduction
Readings come from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) monitoring stations across India, as held in DeshSeva. We index stations by state and city so you can open pollutant-level tables for each location.
We show sub-indices and statistics per pollutant as published (for example min, max, and average), not a single blended “headline” number for the whole country. This index currently lists 518 monitoring stations for navigation.
Sub-indices in the feed vs National AQI
The open feed is built around per-pollutant values at each station. India’s National AQI is a separate composite (0–500) computed from the worst among applicable pollutants under CPCB rules. The table below contrasts what you browse here with the headline AQI you may see elsewhere.
| Concept | What you see | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| This tool / CPCB feed | Rows per pollutant (e.g. PM2.5, PM10) with min / max / average sub-index values where published | Station-level detail; good for comparing parameters at one site |
| National AQI (headline) | A single index from 0–500 for a location or city | Aggregated using CPCB methodology from the worst sub-index among applicable pollutants |
Common parameters (reference)
Monitoring stations report several pollutants. Short descriptions below are for orientation only; exact definitions and methods follow CPCB and related technical documents.
| Parameter | Plain-language description |
|---|---|
| PM2.5 | Fine particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter up to 2.5 micrometres; can penetrate deep into the lungs. |
| PM10 | Inhalable particles up to 10 micrometres; includes dust and many combustion-related particles. |
| NO2 | Nitrogen dioxide, often linked to traffic and combustion; contributes to photochemical smog. |
| SO2 | Sulphur dioxide, often from burning sulphur-containing fuels; can affect respiratory health. |
| CO | Carbon monoxide, a colourless gas from incomplete combustion; important in congested areas. |
| O3 | Ozone at ground level; formed in sunlight from precursor pollutants. |
India National AQI category bands (educational)
These six bands apply to the composite National AQI scale used in India. Individual pollutant sub-indices on a station page are reported separately in the source feed; use the table to interpret headline AQI when you compare with other official summaries.
| AQI range | Category | General health messaging (official frameworks) |
|---|---|---|
| 0–50 | Good | Minimal impact expected for general population. |
| 51–100 | Satisfactory | May cause minor breathing discomfort in sensitive individuals. |
| 101–200 | Moderately polluted | Breathing discomfort to people with lung or heart disease; children and older adults may feel discomfort. |
| 201–300 | Poor | Breathing discomfort to most on prolonged exposure. |
| 301–400 | Very poor | Respiratory illness on prolonged exposure. |
| 401–500 | Severe | Affects healthy people; serious impact on those with existing disease. |
How to use this page
- Read the intro above to confirm you are viewing pollutant-wise CPCB data, not a single national headline number.
- If the map is available, open the pollutant control, explore markers and state overlays, and click through to a state, city, or station.
- Alternatively, choose a state from the grid to see cities and monitoring stations.
- On a station page, compare min, max, and average sub-index values across pollutants for the latest published interval.
- Check the “last synced” time on this hub if you rely on our database copy; for authoritative live values, refer to CPCB.
Health and precautions
- Air quality affects people differently; children, older adults, and those with heart or lung conditions are often more sensitive.
- Use this tool as general information only; it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
- During smog or high-pollution days, follow advisories from national and state health authorities and reduce strenuous outdoor activity when recommended.
- When in doubt, check the same period on official CPCB or government portals for the most current classification and health guidance.
Coverage and verification
DeshSeva stores snapshots of real-time pollutant readings from the CPCB monitoring network. For methodology, national AQI calculation, and official programmes, refer to cpcb.nic.in and related government notices.
Glossary
- CPCB
- Central Pollution Control Board — statutory body under India’s environment ministry, including national air quality monitoring coordination.
- Sub-index
- A scaled value for one pollutant at a point in time, used when building the composite National AQI under CPCB rules.
- Monitoring station
- A fixed site in the CPCB network that publishes measurements (and derived sub-indices) for its location.
Limitations and disclaimer
DeshSeva displays synced monitoring readings as-is. Values may lag the live field network, show NA where a parameter is not reported, or differ slightly from other portals due to timing and aggregation. Nothing on this page is medical or legal advice. Verify critical decisions against official CPCB, state pollution control board, and public health communications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Published values are per pollutant at each monitoring station—typically min, max, and average sub-index values for parameters such as PM2.5 and PM10. A single National AQI headline is a composite derived from the worst among applicable pollutants under CPCB rules. On DeshSeva you see station-level pollutant rows from our copy of the feed, not a merged headline AQI for the whole country.