Despite growing awareness and action plans, air pollution continues to suffocate Indian cities. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in several urban centers has once again reached dangerous levels in 2025, affecting millions of residents daily.
Here are the Top 5 most air-polluted cities in India this year, based on recent CPCB and WHO data.
Top 5 Most Polluted Cities in India (2025)
1. Delhi – The Smog Capital Still Reigns
Average AQI: 360+
Major pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, NO2
Why? Vehicular emissions, stubble burning, construction dust, industrial zones.
🔴 Health Risk: Even short-term exposure in Delhi now causes respiratory inflammation.
2. Ghaziabad – Delhi NCR’s Toxic Twin
Average AQI: 345+
Major pollutants: PM10, SO2
Why? Industrial activity, poor waste management, and proximity to traffic hotspots.
🏥 Doctors report rising asthma and bronchitis cases, especially among children.
3. Noida – Corporate Hub, Polluted Skies
Average AQI: 330+
Major pollutants: PM2.5, O3
Why? IT parks, dense traffic, and lack of green cover balance.
🧠 Cognitive health impacts now being studied in school children here.
4. Lucknow – The Silent Victim
Average AQI: 320+
Why? Urban congestion, construction dust, and growing traffic without infrastructure upgrades.
☁️ Air quality dips drastically during winters due to thermal inversions.
5. Patna – Consistently in the Danger Zone
Average AQI: 310+
Why? High population density, open waste burning, unregulated emissions.
⚠️ WHO classifies Patna as one of the most polluted cities globally for the third year running.
Why This Matters
🫁 Health Impacts: Increased cases of asthma, cardiovascular disease, poor mental health.
👶 Child Risk: Children in these cities breathe in 5-10 times more polluted air than WHO-recommended levels.
🚨 Economic Loss: India loses nearly 1.3% of GDP annually to pollution-related healthcare and productivity loss.
What’s Being Done?
🌱 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Targeting 40% reduction in PM2.5 by 2026.
🚴♂️ Vehicle scrappage policies and push for EVs.
💧 Anti-smog guns and green buffer zones in development.
📈 Real-time AQI alerts and public awareness campaigns in schools and offices.
FAQs
Q1: Which Indian city had the worst air quality in 2025?
Delhi remains the most polluted, with average AQI levels exceeding 360.
Q2: What are the main causes of air pollution in India?
Vehicular emissions, industrial smoke, stubble burning, construction dust, and poor waste management.
Q3: Can I protect myself in high AQI cities?
Use N95 masks, indoor air purifiers, reduce outdoor activity during high-AQI days, and support clean energy transitions.
Q4: Is air quality getting better in India?
Some cities saw minor improvements under NCAP, but overall, pollution remains a serious urban health crisis.
Published on : 30th July
Published by : SMITA
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