Tue Dec 23 00:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

A recent report by the Health Effects Institute (HEI) analyzing air quality data from 2017-2024 reveals that Chennai is performing relatively well concerning fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution compared to other Indian cities, with one monitoring station recording the lowest PM2.5 levels nationwide in 2024. However, Chennai still struggles with coarser particle (PM10) pollution, although some neighborhoods show improvement. The report highlights that pollution levels vary significantly within Chennai itself. Experts caution against relying on city-wide averages and emphasize the need for granular data to address pollution hotspots effectively. They also pointed out that PM2.5 is not included in the revised NCAP target despite evidence suggesting exposure causes serious chronic issues. Additionally, the accuracy and placement of monitoring stations needs to be more strategic.

News Article:

Chennai Achieves Milestone in Fine Particle Pollution Reduction, But Dust Remains a Challenge

CHENNAI – December 23, 2025 – Chennai has emerged as a frontrunner in the fight against fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution in India, according to a new report by the Health Effects Institute (HEI). The assessment, analyzing air quality data from 2017 to 2024 since the launch of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), revealed that Kodungaiyur, a Chennai monitoring station, recorded the lowest annual average PM2.5 level in the country at 12.6 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), significantly below the national standard of 40 µg/m³.

While Chennai’s progress on PM2.5 is encouraging, the report highlights ongoing challenges with coarser particle pollution (PM10), primarily linked to road dust and construction. Although over 90% of monitoring stations nationwide exceeded PM10 standards, some areas in Chennai, like Velachery, demonstrated better performance with levels meeting the standard of 60 µg/m³.

The Delhi-NCR region remains the most polluted for both PM10 and PM2.5. Coastal cities like Chennai and Mumbai tend to have lower PM2.5.

Experts are emphasizing the need for more localized data, as pollution levels vary substantially even within Chennai itself. Environmental health researcher Vishvaja Sambath stated that aggregated data masks local hotspots. Furthermore, experts expressed concern over the exclusion of PM2.5 from the revised NCAP target, emphasizing the severe health risks associated with prolonged exposure. S. M. Shiv Nagendra of IIT Madras also pointed out that monitoring station data measures the air quality within a radius of a few hundred meters only.

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