Bronte Wells
India is facing a pollution crisis, with 13 of the world's top 20 most polluted cities located within the country. According to the World Air Quality Report 2024, Delhi is the most polluted capital city globally, with annual PM2.5 concentrations rising from 102.4 micrograms per cubic meter in 2023 to 108.3 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024. The high levels of pollution in Delhi are caused by emissions from vehicles and industries, with similar issues affecting other Indian cities. The Indian government has set a target of having 95% of new vehicles in Delhi be electric by 2027, and the use of Retrofit Emission Control Devices (RECDs) is being explored to reduce emissions from diesel generators.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Indian cities among the world's top 20 most polluted cities | 13 |
| Most polluted city in India | Byrnihat, Assam |
| Other highly polluted cities | Delhi, Punjab's Mullanpur, Faridabad, Loni, Gurugram, Ganganagar, Greater Noida, Bhiwadi, Muzaffarnagar, Hanumangarh, Noida, Begusarai, Guwahati |
| Delhi's annual average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 | 108.3 micrograms per cubic metre |
| India's rank among the world's most polluted countries in 2024 | 5 |
| India's rank among the world's most polluted countries in 2023 | 3 |
| India's average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 | 50.6 micrograms per cubic meter |
| India's average PM2.5 concentration in 2023 | 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter |
| India's Air Quality Index (AQI) on September 8, 2025 | 72 (Moderate) |
| India's AQI on September 8, 2025, at its best and worst | 68 (Moderate) at 5:10 AM and 81 (Moderate) at 9:10 AM |
| India's PM2.5 concentration on September 8, 2025 | 21µg/m³ |
| India's PM10 concentration on September 8, 2025 | 58µg/m³ |
| Possible solutions to India's air pollution crisis | Replacing biomass with LPG, expanding public transport, imposing fines on certain cars, strict enforcement of emission laws, installation of RECDs |
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What You'll Learn
Delhi: the world's most polluted capital
Delhi has been dubbed the world's most polluted capital city. According to the World Air Quality Report 2024 by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir, India is home to 13 of the world's 20 most polluted cities, with Delhi taking the top spot as the most polluted capital. The report also ranked India as the fifth most polluted country in the world in 2024, a slight improvement from its ranking of third in 2023.
Delhi's air pollution is a persistent issue, with the city grappling with poor air quality year-round. The problem is exacerbated during winter when meteorological conditions and vehicular emissions combine to create an even more harmful environment. The annual average PM2.5 concentration in Delhi increased from 102.4 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023 to 108.3 micrograms per cubic metre in 2024, far exceeding the WHO limit of 5 micrograms per cubic metre.
One of the major contributors to Delhi's air pollution is the extensive use of diesel generators by residents for backup power. The constant haze created by these generators has led to calls for the mandatory implementation of Retrofit Emission Control Devices (RECDs) to reduce harmful emissions. From 2022 to 2024, over 2 lakh residents of Delhi reported hospitalisations due to air pollution, highlighting the severe health impacts of the city's poor air quality.
To combat Delhi's air pollution crisis, various solutions have been proposed. These include expanding public transportation, imposing fines on high-emitting vehicles, providing subsidies for cleaner energy sources like LPG, and strictly enforcing emission laws for industries and construction sites. By combining incentives, penalties, and stricter regulations, Delhi aims to improve its air quality and alleviate the health risks associated with pollution.
While Delhi has the dubious distinction of being the world's most polluted capital, efforts are underway to address this issue and create a healthier environment for its residents. The transport minister has set an ambitious goal of ensuring that 95% of new vehicles in Delhi are EVs by 2027, which could significantly reduce vehicular emissions and contribute to cleaner air in the city.
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Byrnihat, Assam: industrial emissions
Byrnihat, a small industrial town on the border of Assam and Meghalaya, has been declared the most polluted city in the world by the 2024 IQAir World Air Quality Report. The report found that Byrnihat had an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 128.2 micrograms per cubic meter, far exceeding the World Health Organization's guideline of 5 micrograms per cubic meter. The high levels of pollution in Byrnihat are primarily due to industrial emissions from the town's 39 industrial units, with 20 of these identified as heavily polluting. These include cement production, distilleries, and iron and steel plants. The state government of Assam has responded to the air quality report by initiating stricter regulatory measures, with the Meghalaya government also taking action to address pollution from the 41 industrial units in its territory.
The pollution in Byrnihat has severe health implications for its residents. Alin Syngkli, a homemaker in Byrnihat, described how the dust from the industrial emissions enters their home, making it difficult to dry clothes outside and forcing children to stay indoors. The fine particulate matter in the air, with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less, can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing serious health risks.
While the Meghalaya side of Byrnihat has seen fewer industries, it has also experienced a notable decline in air quality. The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board has taken action by issuing closure notices to seven industrial units and imposing environmental compensation on two others for violating pollution control norms. The state government has also initiated a comprehensive audit of industrial units to identify non-compliant industries and enforce corrective measures.
The pollution crisis in Byrnihat extends beyond industrial emissions. Vehicular emissions, construction activities, and transboundary pollution from other regions have further exacerbated the poor air quality. Researchers have recommended stricter regulations on all sources of pollution, including industrial emissions, vehicular emissions, and construction dust. They have also proposed the expansion of green buffer zones and the implementation of timely public health advisories during peak pollution periods.
Addressing Byrnihat's environmental crisis requires a multi-faceted approach that integrates stringent enforcement, technological advancements, and sustainable urban planning. Stronger industrial regulations, green buffer zones, construction regulations, and vehicular emission control are among the policy measures that could help mitigate the pollution levels and improve the air quality in Byrnihat, Assam, and the surrounding areas.
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Punjab's Mullanpur: emission hotspot
India is facing a pollution crisis, with 13 of the world's top 20 most polluted cities. Delhi is the most polluted capital city globally, and other cities in India are also among the most polluted in the world, including Punjab's Mullanpur.
Mullanpur, an area on the outskirts of Chandigarh, has been identified as an emission hotspot in the Indian state of Punjab. The high levels of pollution in Mullanpur are attributed to various factors, including industrial activities and brick kilns. In recognition of the environmental challenges, the Punjab government has approved a master plan to transform Mullanpur into Punjab's first 'eco-town'. This initiative aims to address the pollution issues and promote sustainable development in the region.
The master plan for Mullanpur encompasses 6,123.7 hectares of land across 33 villages, with the goal of creating a distinctive and sustainable eco-town in the Greater Mohali area. One of the key strategies to achieve this involves shifting the focus of industries in Mullanpur from manufacturing to service-oriented sectors such as information technology, health, and tourism. This transition is expected to reduce emissions and create a more environmentally friendly economic landscape.
Additionally, the plan addresses the removal of existing brick kilns and wastelands, which pose hazards to the surrounding communities. By eliminating these industrial operations, the eco-town initiative takes a proactive approach to mitigating the pollution sources and improving the overall air quality in the region. The preservation of the restricted defence site and the land protected under the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA) is also ensured in the master plan, demonstrating a balanced approach to development.
The development of Mullanpur as an eco-town holds significant importance, especially considering the stakes held by top politicians and bureaucrats in the area. The successful implementation of this master plan will not only address the pressing environmental concerns but also set a precedent for sustainable development in other regions of India grappling with similar pollution challenges.
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Diesel generators: a primary power source
India has become a power surplus nation, yet 0.07% of households have no access to electricity. The country's electricity sector faces issues with inadequate last-mile connectivity, and many consumers depend on diesel generators as a primary power source. Nearly 80 billion kWh of electricity is generated annually in India by diesel generator sets, with the market for diesel generators growing.
The Indian government's focus on large-scale infrastructural development projects, such as road construction, railway expansion, and power plant construction, has created a substantial demand for diesel generators. Diesel generators are versatile and dependable, providing uninterrupted power in remote locations or during grid failures, which is essential for heavy machinery and equipment.
The industrial sector's expansion, particularly in automotive, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, has also driven the demand for diesel generators. These industries require reliable power to prevent costly disruptions. Additionally, rapid urbanization and the increasing demand for reliable backup power solutions have contributed to the growing reliance on diesel generators.
However, diesel generators emit high levels of air and noise-polluting elements, which has raised environmental concerns. As a result, there has been a shift towards cleaner resources, with the development of a market for natural gas and renewable energy sources. India aims to have 95% of new vehicles as EVs in Delhi by 2027. Additionally, some Indian states have issued directives to limit the use of diesel generators.
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Vehicular emissions: Delhi's winter problem
Delhi is the world's most polluted capital city, with 12 other Indian cities joining it in the top 20 most polluted cities worldwide. The city's poor air quality is largely due to vehicular emissions, which have been recorded to contribute up to 51.1% of the city's total emissions. This problem is exacerbated during the winter months, when unfavourable meteorological conditions prevent the dispersion of pollutants.
The number of private vehicles in Delhi has been increasing, leading to more traffic congestion and higher emissions. This has resulted in a "'mobility crisis'", with a sharp rise in the number of private vehicles on the road, which has been identified as a major source of pollution in the city. The high levels of pollution in Delhi have severe health impacts on its residents, comparable to the adverse effects of smoking approximately 10 cigarettes a day. Prolonged exposure to such high levels of pollution can lead to and worsen respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It also increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
To tackle this issue, researchers at EPIC India have partnered with the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) to design and implement market-based policies. These policies aim to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, incentivize the use of public transportation, and improve compliance with the vehicular emissions testing regime. One proposed intervention is the High Pollution Early Warning System (HPEWS), which will use targeted messaging and congestion charges to inform drivers of areas with high pollution levels. The revenue generated from congestion charges will be used to fund clean and sustainable public transportation initiatives, including the establishment of EV infrastructure.
Additionally, EPIC researchers are working to strengthen the Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC) system by identifying incentive frameworks for drivers and operators of PUCC centres. Through automation and improved infrastructure, they aim to address false reporting and corrupt practices, ensuring a robust emissions testing regime. The Indian government has also set a target of having 95% of new vehicles in Delhi be EVs by 2027.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the World Air Quality Report 2024, 13 of the world's top 20 most polluted cities are in India. These include Byrnihat, Delhi, Punjab's Mullanpur, Faridabad, Loni, Gurugram, Ganganagar, Greater Noida, Bhiwadi, Muzaffarnagar, Hanumangarh and Noida. Delhi is the most polluted capital city globally.
As of September 8, 2025, the AQI level in India is 72, which is considered moderate. However, sensitive individuals may still be affected by certain pollutants.
Delhi's air pollution is largely due to the use of diesel generators in offices and homes, as well as vehicular emissions, which are exacerbated by unfavourable meteorological conditions during the winter.
Several measures can be implemented to improve air quality in Indian cities, including expanding public transport, imposing fines on certain cars, subsidizing the switch from biomass to LPG, and strictly enforcing emission laws for industries and construction sites.
