List of 10 most polluted regions, cities in India

The top ten cities that have failed to reduce their PM2.5 levels are present here in the list of India's Most Polluted Cities. The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report from the University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute highlights Delhi as the most polluted region in India.

According to the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI), Delhi is the most polluted region in India. Delhi leads, with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Tripura, Punjab, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan following.

The report said 67.4% of the Indians live in areas exceeding country’s own national air quality standard of 40 µg/m3.

In 2023, India was ranked as the third-most polluted country globally, following Bangladesh and Pakistan, according to the Swiss air quality monitoring organization IQAir's "World Air Quality Report 2023." India recorded an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter, placing it third among 134 countries, behind Bangladesh (79.9 micrograms per cubic meter) and Pakistan (73.7 micrograms per cubic meter).

In 2022, India was the eighth-most polluted country, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 53.3 micrograms per cubic meter.

The report also highlighted that 42 of the world's 50 most polluted cities were in India. Begusarai, in Bihar, was identified as the most polluted metropolitan area in 2023, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 118.9 micrograms per cubic meter, a significant rise from 19.7 micrograms per cubic meter in 2022. The city was not even listed in the 2022 rankings.

Guwahati saw its PM2.5 levels double from 51 to 105.4 micrograms per cubic meter between 2022 and 2023, while Delhi's concentration increased from 89.1 to 92.7 micrograms per cubic meter during the same period.

Other Indian cities that appeared in the top 50 most polluted cities worldwide included Greater Noida (11th), Muzaffarnagar (16th), Gurgaon (17th), Arrah (18th), Dadri (19th), Patna (20th), Faridabad (25th), Noida (26th), Meerut (28th), Ghaziabad (35th), and Rohtak (47th).

What is air pollution and How is it measured?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) rates cities worldwide on a 0-500 scale. Lower values indicate lower air pollution levels. While each country has its AQI, it typically measures five major air pollutants: ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and airborne particles. These pollutants result from complex chemical reactions, primarily associated with the burning of fossil fuels.

Top Ten India’s Most Polluted Cities (2024)

Details of Ambient Air Quality data in 5 cities/towns each having the highest PM₁₀ levels measured during the year 2022

Northern Plains: India's severely polluted region

Among all nations, India bears the most substantial health burden attributed to air pollution, primarily because of the extensive population exposed to elevated levels of fine particulate pollution. India has been responsible for 59.1 percent of the global increase in pollution since 2013.

Based on the latest satellite-based PM2.5 data, pollution in India increased from 56.2 µg/m3 in 2020 to 58.7 µg/m3 in 2021. This level surpasses the WHO's recommended limit by more than tenfold. Failure to meet this guideline could result in an average life expectancy reduction of 5.3 years for Indian residents.

India's Northern Plains emerge as the most heavily polluted region within the country, hosting over half a billion individuals, which accounts for 38.9 percent of the nation's population. Consequently, residents of this region, if pollution remains unabated, face an estimated loss of approximately 8 years in life expectancy.

Furthermore, this region includes Delhi, the world's most polluted megacity, with an annual average particulate pollution level of 126.5 µg/m3. This exceeds the WHO guideline by over 25 times.

What can we do?

To address air pollution, there are several actions we can take. Motor vehicles are a major source, with some cities attributing up to 95% of carbon monoxide to them. To reduce pollution, individuals can choose to walk, bike, or use public transport for short trips. Additionally, electric or hybrid vehicles are eco-friendly options.

At the national level, policies can be more complex, balancing environmental concerns with economic development. Wealthier countries should consider adopting a carbon tax system. This tax incentivizes emission reduction by charging consumers during purchases. It addresses both climate change and air pollution generated from fossil fuels and vehicle emissions.

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