Brian Barton
Faridabad, a city in the Indian state of Haryana, has been described as one of the most polluted cities in India, and even the world. In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) ranked it as the second most polluted city in the country, with an annual mean PM2.5 level of 172 g/m³ in 2016. In 2022, Faridabad's air quality index (AQI) hit 400, eight times above the safe level, making it the country's most polluted city at the time. More recently, in the first half of 2024, Faridabad was again ranked as the most polluted city in the state of Haryana, with a PM2.5 level of 103 g/m³. The city's poor air quality has been attributed to various factors, including vehicular pollution, construction dust, the burning of municipal solid waste, and industrial emissions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pollution Ranking | Ranked as the second most polluted city in India in 2018 and 2024 |
| PM2.5 Levels | 172 µg/m³ in 2016; 103 g/m³ in 2024; 116 µg/m³ currently |
| WHO Standards | PM2.5 level of 5 µg/m³; PM10 level of 15 µg/m³ |
| National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) | PM2.5 level of 40 µg/m³; PM10 level of 60 µg/m³ |
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | 400 post-Diwali in 2022 |
| National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) | Launched in 2019; covers 131 cities; aims for a 40% reduction in PM2.5 concentration by 2026 |
| Health Effects | Increased risk of heart attacks, lung cancer, asthma, COPD, depression, and violent crime |
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What You'll Learn
Faridabad's air pollution is a health risk
Faridabad, a city in the Indian state of Haryana, has been ranked as one of the most polluted cities in India and the world. In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed Faridabad as the second most polluted city in the world, with an annual mean PM2.5 level of 172 micrograms per cubic meter in 2016. More recently, in 2024, Faridabad was again ranked as the second most polluted city in India, with an average PM2.5 level of 103 g/m³.
These high levels of air pollution in Faridabad pose a significant risk to the health of its residents. According to the WHO, PM2.5 refers to fine inhalable particle pollutants with diameters of 2.5 micrometres or smaller. These microscopic particles can easily enter the lungs and bloodstream, leading to serious health problems. Research has linked exposure to PM2.5 pollutants to an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including lung cancer and asthma. In fact, air pollution has been associated with damage to almost every organ and cell in the human body, including an increased risk of heart attacks, COPD, and even depression.
The sources of pollution in Faridabad are varied and include vehicular emissions, construction dust, and the burning of municipal solid waste in nearby Delhi. Industrial activities, such as electroplating units and smoke-emitting industries, also contribute significantly to the city's poor air quality. While some efforts have been made to improve the situation, such as shifting coal-based industries out of the city and improving road infrastructure, the air quality in Faridabad remains a critical concern for its residents.
The health risks associated with air pollution in Faridabad are so severe that the city is the sole non-attainment city in Haryana under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). This programme, launched in 2019, aims to reduce pollution levels by targeting a 40% reduction in PM2.5 concentrations by 2026. However, as of 2024, Faridabad continues to exceed both the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the more stringent WHO guidelines for safe PM2.5 and PM10 levels.
The disparity between national and international standards has raised concerns among experts, who argue that the current national standards may be insufficient to protect public health. As a result, there are growing calls for a revision of the national standards to align more closely with international recommendations. In the meantime, residents of Faridabad are advised to take precautions, such as reducing outdoor activities, wearing face masks, and using air purifiers to mitigate their exposure to harmful air pollutants.
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The city's air quality is improving
Faridabad, a city in the Indian state of Haryana, has long been recognised as one of the country's most polluted cities. In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that Faridabad was India's second-most polluted city, with an annual mean PM2.5 level of 172 g/m³. This level of pollution poses critical health risks to residents, as PM2.5 pollutants can cause serious respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
Despite this worrying picture, there are some signs that Faridabad's air quality is improving. A senior official stated that between October 2021 and September 2022, Faridabad's average PM2.5 level was 101.5 g/m³, which improved to 89 g/m³ in October 2022-September 2023. This represents a 12% dip and indicates that the city's air quality is getting better compared to previous years.
This improvement can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, coal-based industries have been moved out of Faridabad, and many have switched to PNG. Secondly, road infrastructure has improved in recent years, which may have helped to reduce traffic-related pollution. Additionally, awareness about pollution and its impacts has increased among the public, leading to a greater push for change.
However, it is important to recognise that the situation has not completely changed. While there has been a reduction in pollutants, Faridabad still has a long way to go to achieve clean air. The city remains Haryana's most polluted, and in early 2024, it averaged PM2.5 levels of 103 g/m³. This value is still significantly higher than the WHO's annual guideline of 5 g/m³.
Despite the challenges, there are ongoing efforts to address the pollution problem in Faridabad. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which includes Faridabad, aims to reduce particulate pollution by 40% by 2026. Additionally, the city is taking measures such as disallowing registrations of diesel vehicles over 10 years old and directing construction sites to control dust. These initiatives provide hope that Faridabad's air quality will continue to improve in the coming years.
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It's one of India's most polluted cities
Faridabad is one of India's most polluted cities, with air quality that poses critical health risks to its residents. In 2024, Faridabad was ranked as the second-most polluted city in India, with PM2.5 levels exceeding the World Health Organization's (WHO) daily guideline of 15 g/m³ every day between January and June. The city's air pollution is mainly attributed to vehicular emissions, construction dust, and the burning of municipal solid waste in nearby Delhi. Additionally, electroplating units and smoke-emitting industries contribute to the high levels of pollutants in the air.
The health implications of Faridabad's poor air quality are significant. Air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, with about seven million people globally dying annually due to these causes associated with exposure to PM2.5 pollutants. It also exacerbates asthma, lung cancer, and COPD, while also contributing to mental health issues such as depression. The impact of air pollution on human health is so pervasive that it may damage every organ and virtually every cell in the human body.
Faridabad's air quality has shown some improvement in recent years. Between October 2021 and September 2022, the average PM2.5 level was 101.5 g/m³, which improved to 89 g/m³ in the following year. This progress is attributed to the relocation of coal-based industries outside the city, the adoption of PNG, improved road infrastructure, and increased awareness about pollution. Despite these positive steps, the city still has a long way to go to ensure clean air for its residents.
To address the air pollution crisis, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched in 2019, targeting a reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 levels. While Faridabad is part of this programme, experts argue that the current national standards are insufficient to protect public health and need to be revised to align with international recommendations. They advocate for an "airshed approach" to effectively manage regional air pollution, which considers similar influencing factors across geographic areas.
The situation in Faridabad underscores the urgent need for comprehensive pollution control strategies that extend beyond municipal boundaries. With persistent pollution problems in smaller cities, towns, and villages left unaddressed, the health and well-being of residents remain at significant risk.
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Pollution sources: vehicles, construction, waste burning
Faridabad, Haryana's most polluted city, has poor air quality, with PM2.5 levels exceeding the World Health Organization's daily guideline of 15 g/m³ every day between January and June 2024. The city's air pollution is primarily attributed to road and construction dust, industrial emissions, and vehicular emissions.
Vehicles
Vehicular pollution is a significant contributor to Faridabad's poor air quality. It is responsible for high levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs). These emissions exacerbate smog formation and respiratory illnesses. Tailpipe emissions from vehicles also contribute to particulate matter pollution, accounting for a portion of PM10 and PM2.5 pollutants.
Construction
Construction activities in Faridabad generate substantial dust pollution, which is estimated to contribute up to 51% of PM10 pollutants. To manage this, construction sites must follow regulations and implement dust control measures. Mechanised sweeping and the development of green belts are also recommended to reduce the impact of construction dust on air quality.
Waste Burning
Open waste burning is another source of pollution in Faridabad. Banning this practice and reducing the use of diesel generators are crucial steps towards improving air quality. Additionally, the city's industrial emissions, primarily from coal and diesel combustion, account for a significant portion of PM2.5 pollutants.
While there have been some improvements in air quality due to the relocation of coal-based industries and road infrastructure developments, Faridabad still has a long way to go to achieve clean air. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 levels, with new targets set for a 40% reduction in PM2.5 concentration by 2026.
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Air pollution's impact on health
Faridabad, a city in the Indian state of Haryana, has been identified as one of the most polluted cities in the state and the country. In 2024, it was ranked as the second-most polluted city in India, with high levels of PM2.5 pollution. This is a significant issue as PM2.5 refers to particulate matter with diameters of 2.5 micrometres or smaller, which can easily be inhaled and cause serious health issues.
The impact of air pollution on health is well-documented, and the high levels of pollution in Faridabad are likely to be having a range of negative effects on the health of its residents. Air pollution has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, with an estimated seven million people dying globally each year due to these causes. The pollutants in the air can cause breathing difficulties, especially for those with pre-existing lung conditions, asthma, or heart disease. Prolonged exposure to poor air quality can also lead to respiratory illnesses and has been associated with an increased risk of developing conditions such as COPD.
In addition to the respiratory and cardiovascular impacts, air pollution has also been linked to other health issues. For example, a study found a correlation between outdoor air pollution and rising diabetes mortality rates. Heat and air pollution combined have also been shown to increase mortality rates in India. The impact of air pollution on health can vary depending on individual factors, with sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, or those with pre-existing health conditions, potentially experiencing more severe effects.
While there have been some improvements in Faridabad's air quality in recent years, with a reduction in pollutants and the relocation of coal-based industries, the city still has a long way to go to ensure the health and safety of its residents. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to reduce pollution levels, and the city's participation in this programme is a positive step towards addressing the issue. However, as of 2025, the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) still ranges from moderate to poor, indicating that the air pollution problem persists and continues to pose potential health risks to the population.
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Frequently asked questions
Faridabad is one of the most polluted cities in India. In 2024, it was reported to be the second-most polluted city in India, with an average PM2.5 level of 103 g/m³.
The pollution in Faridabad is caused by a variety of factors, including vehicular pollution, construction dust, the burning of municipal solid waste, electroplating units, and smoke-emitting industries.
The government has implemented several measures to fight pollution in Faridabad, including disallowing the registration of diesel vehicles over 10 years old and directing housing welfare boards to control dust during construction. The city is also part of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to reduce pollution levels by 40% by 2026.
Faridabad consistently ranks as one of the most polluted cities in Haryana. In the first half of 2024, 15 out of 24 cities in Haryana were among India's 100 most polluted cities, with Faridabad topping the list.
The health effects of air pollution in Faridabad are severe. The pollution is known to increase the risk of heart attacks, lung cancer, asthma, and COPD. It can also exacerbate depression and increase the risk of violent crime. It is recommended that residents take precautions such as wearing face masks, using air purifiers, and reducing outdoor activities.
