India’s 10 most polluted cities right now

Oct 23, 2024

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Pollution is back

Like every year this year also, India is facing the same air pollution problems, with many cities showing very high Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. Delhi is currently the most polluted city. Here’s a look at the 10 cities with the worst air quality in India right now.

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Delhi, (AQI: 310 - Very Poor)

Delhi, the capital city, facing severe air quality challenges, with PM2.5 and PM10 pollutants driving dangerously high levels of pollution. Citizens battle alarming health risks as winter exacerbates the already toxic atmosphere.

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Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh (AQI: 300 - Poor)

Singrauli, a major energy hub in Madhya Pradesh, suffering from alarming air pollution levels primarily due to industrial activities. The town's poor air quality, dominated by PM2.5, continues to affect the health of its residents.

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Bhiwani, Haryana (AQI: 289 - Poor)

Industrial activities and vehicular emissions contribute heavily to Bhiwani's poor air quality. The elevated PM2.5 levels make this Haryana city a high-risk zone for respiratory issues, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

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Rohtak, Haryana (AQI: 283 - Poor)

Rohtak’s air quality continues to deteriorate as high PM2.5 levels plague the region. Industrial emissions, combined with urban congestion, contribute significantly to the city’s consistently poor AQI, posing health threats to its citizens.

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Jind, Haryana (AQI: 277 - Poor)

Jind faces persistent air pollution issues largely driven by PM2.5 particles. Industrial growth, combined with smoke from stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, leads to poor air quality, threatening the health and well-being of local residents on a daily basis.

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Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh (AQI: 257 - Poor)

A major industrial hub, Ghaziabad consistently ranks among India's most polluted cities. Its high PM2.5 concentration puts residents at risk, especially during winters when smog exacerbates already poor air quality conditions.

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Bahadurgarh, Haryana (AQI: 255 - Poor)

Bahadurgarh struggles with deteriorating air quality, largely due to industrial pollution and vehicular emissions. The high PM2.5 levels result in poor visibility and respiratory health hazards for its growing population.

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Noida, Uttar Pradesh (AQI: 252 - Poor)

A bustling urban centre, Noida’s poor air quality stems from rapid urbanisation, industrial output, vehicular congestion and post-harvest stubble burning. Elevated PM2.5 levels contribute to persistent smog and health risks, particularly during the colder months.

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Kaithal, Haryana (AQI: 239 - Poor)<em>​</em>

Kaithal's air quality is declining, with PM2.5 levels at hazardous limits. Agricultural burning, coupled with increasing industrial activity, creates a toxic atmosphere that poses serious risks to public health, especially during winter.

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Hajipur, Bihar (AQI: 236 - Poor)

Hajipur’s poor air quality is driven by PM2.5 emissions, with pollution from vehicular, industrial activities and open waste burning. The city’s AQI raises serious concerns for its residents, especially for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

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Charkhi Dadri, Haryana (AQI: 235 - Poor)

​Charkhi Dadri’s air quality has worsened due to rapid industrialisation and vehicular pollution. The dangerous PM2.5 levels make it a challenging environment for residents, contributing to rising respiratory and cardiovascular health issues.

Credit: BCCL