Industrial Emissions, PM10 Levels Drag Surat Down in Clean Air Survey 2026

Surat: Surat has slipped to fifth place in the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) Clean Air Survey-2026, also known as the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan, raising questions over the city’s air pollution control measures. The city scored 191 out of 200 marks this year, compared with 196 marks and third place in 2025, and 194 marks and first place in 2024.

The biggest setbacks for Surat were recorded in the categories of industrial emissions and improvement in Particulate Matter 10 (PM10) levels. The city scored 36 out of 40 marks in the industrial emissions category, losing four marks, while it received zero out of the five marks allocated for improvement in PM10 levels.

Surat also fell short on the criterion related to promoting the use of cleaner fuels in industries. Under the survey criteria, industries are expected to shift from conventional fuels such as coal to cleaner alternatives, including gas and solar-based energy. However, the city failed to secure any marks under this criterion.

Despite the presence of a large number of industrial units in the city’s GIDC estates, the expected shift towards cleaner fuels has not taken place at the desired pace, according to the assessment.

The city also continues to face challenges in controlling PM10 levels. Dust generated by road and drainage works, construction and development activities, along with emissions from vehicles and industrial units, has contributed to the problem. Consequently, Surat failed to score any marks under the criterion related to improvement or reduction in PM10 levels.

Questions over GPCB’s industrial pollution control

The survey findings have also raised questions over the performance of the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), which is responsible for monitoring and controlling industrial pollution.

The findings have highlighted concerns over the effectiveness of ground-level monitoring of industrial emissions, coal consumption and the adoption of cleaner fuels. Questions have also been raised over whether adequate measures are being taken to encourage industries to shift towards cleaner fuels.

It is learnt that the issue of cleaner fuel use by industries had also affected Surat’s score last year. Despite the municipal administration drawing attention to the matter, no significant improvement was seen in the latest assessment.

How many marks did Surat score in each category?

DeshGujarat