Ludhiana, Sept. 11 -- Despite long-standing concerns over air pollution, Ludhiana has shown signs of progress in improving its air quality. The city has secured the 18th rank in the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2025, conducted under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This improvement marks a steady rise from its 31st rank last year and 28th in 2023, in the category of cities with a population above 10 lakh.

Officials from the Municipal Corporation credited this jump to multiple pollution control initiatives and the gradual completion of large-scale construction projects that had earlier contributed to the worsening air quality. "Earlier, we were struggling due to dust from ongoing infrastruct...