Helena Joyce
India is home to 13 of the world's 20 most polluted cities, according to the World Air Quality Report 2024 by IQAir. The report revealed that Delhi is the most polluted capital city globally, with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 108.3 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024, up from 102.4 in 2023. However, Byrnihat, located on the Assam-Meghalaya border, emerged as the most polluted city in India and the world in 2024, with a staggering annual average PM2.5 concentration of 128.2 μg/m³. India's major pollution sources include industrial discharge, construction dust, and the burning of crop residues, which contribute to the country's poor air quality and significant health burden.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| India's most polluted city | Byrnihat, located on the Assam-Meghalaya border |
| Number of Indian cities in the world's top 20 most polluted cities | 13 |
| India's rank in the list of most polluted countries globally | 5 |
| Annual average PM2.5 concentration in Byrnihat | 128.2 μg/m³ |
| Annual average PM2.5 concentration in New Delhi | 91.6 μg/m³ |
| Percentage of Indian cities that recorded annual PM2.5 levels exceeding the World Health Organisation's guidelines by more than ten times | 35% |
| India's annual average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 | 50.6 μg/m³ |
| India's annual average PM2.5 concentration in 2023 | 54.4 μg/m³ |
| Delhi's annual average PM2.5 concentration in 2023 | 102.4 μg/m³ |
| Delhi's annual average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 | 108.3 μg/m³ |
| India's Air Quality Index (AQI) on September 12, 2025 | 78 (Moderate) |
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What You'll Learn
Delhi is India's most polluted city
Delhi, India's capital, is the world's most polluted city, according to the 6th Annual World Air Quality Report released by IQAir in 2024. The report also ranked India as the third most polluted country globally in 2023, after Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Delhi's air pollution worsened between 2023 and 2024, with the annual average PM2.5 concentration rising from 102.4 to 108.3 micrograms per cubic metre. This is over 20 times higher than the WHO guideline of 5 micrograms per cubic metre. The high levels of pollution in Delhi are due to a combination of factors, including vehicle emissions, which account for 40% of PM2.5 emissions, as well as meteorological conditions, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources.
Delhi is not the only Indian city to feature on the list of the world's most polluted cities. In fact, 13 of the world's top 20 most polluted cities are in India, including Byrnihat, Punjab's Mullanpur, Faridabad, Loni, Gurugram, Ganganagar, Greater Noida, Bhiwadi, Muzaffarnagar, Hanumangarh, and Noida. Overall, 35% of Indian cities reported annual PM2.5 levels exceeding the WHO limit by more than 10 times.
The poor air quality in India poses significant health risks to its vast population. To address this pressing issue, experts recommend a mix of incentives and penalties, such as expanding public transport, imposing fines on polluting vehicles, and providing subsidies for cleaner energy sources like LPG. Strict enforcement of emission laws and regulations is also crucial to reducing emissions from industries and construction sites.
While India has seen a 7% decline in PM2.5 concentrations between 2023 and 2024, more urgent action is needed to improve the air quality and protect the health of its citizens.
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Byrnihat is the world's most polluted city
Byrnihat, a town on the border of Assam and Meghalaya in India, is currently the world's most polluted city. According to the World Air Quality Report 2024 by IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company, Byrnihat has the highest annual average PM2.5 concentration among the world's most polluted cities. PM2.5 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less, which can have significant health impacts, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
The report revealed that Byrnihat's annual average PM2.5 concentration stood at a staggering 128.2 μg/m³, far exceeding the World Health Organization's guideline of 5 micrograms per cubic meter. This critical level of pollution in Byrnihat is primarily attributed to emissions from local factories, including distilleries, iron and steel plants. The high concentration of particulate matter in the air poses a severe risk to the health and well-being of residents, potentially leading to respiratory problems, heart conditions, and other adverse health effects.
India, as a whole, has been struggling with air pollution, with 13 of the world's 20 most polluted cities located within the country. Among these, Delhi stands out as the most polluted capital city globally, with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 108.3 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024. However, Byrnihat surpasses even Delhi's alarming levels of pollution, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to improve air quality in the region.
The government and environmental organizations are implementing various initiatives to combat air pollution in India. These include expanding public transport, imposing fines on polluting vehicles, subsidizing the adoption of cleaner fuels like LPG, and enforcing stricter emission regulations for industries and construction sites. However, despite these efforts, air pollution continues to be a significant challenge, affecting the health and quality of life for millions of people in Byrnihat and other polluted cities across India.
As of September 2025, the real-time India Air Quality Index (AQI) stands at 78, indicating a moderate level of air pollution. However, this reading fluctuates, and at times, the AQI has reached levels considered "poor" or "hazardous." The situation underscores the urgent necessity for sustained efforts to combat air pollution and safeguard the health and well-being of India's citizens, especially in critically polluted areas such as Byrnihat.
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India has 13 of the world's 20 most polluted cities
India is one of the world's most polluted countries, with Delhi being the most polluted capital city globally. According to the World Air Quality Report 2024 by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir, 13 of the world's top 20 most polluted cities are in India. These cities are Byrnihat, Delhi, Punjab's Mullanpur, Faridabad, Loni, Gurugram, Ganganagar, Greater Noida, Bhiwadi, Muzaffarnagar, Hanumangarh, and Noida. The high level of pollution in Byrnihat, a town on the border of Assam and Meghalaya, is due to emissions from local factories, including distilleries, iron and steel plants.
Delhi's air pollution has worsened, with the annual average PM2.5 concentration rising from 102.4 micrograms per cubic meter in 2023 to 108.3 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024. The Indian capital's PM2.5 levels are nearly 10 times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Overall, 35% of Indian cities reported annual PM2.5 levels exceeding 10 times the WHO limit of 5 micrograms per cubic meter.
Ambient air pollution is linked to an increase in hospital visits, with a higher concentration of outdoor pollution particulates resulting in emergency room visits increasing by between 20 and 25%. According to the WHO, India has 14 out of the 15 most polluted cities in the world in terms of PM2.5 concentrations. Approximately 76% of households in rural India rely on solid biomass for cooking, contributing to the country's ambient air pollution.
To address air pollution, the Indian government launched the National Clean Air Programme in 2019, aiming for a 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024. The programme will be implemented in 102 cities with poor air quality. Additionally, India has the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, passed in 1981, to regulate air pollution. However, the act has failed due to poor enforcement.
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India is the world's fifth most polluted country
Thirteen of the world's top 20 most polluted cities are in India, with Byrnihat in Assam topping the list. The high level of pollution in Byrnihat, a town on the border of Assam and Meghalaya, is due to emissions from local factories, including distilleries, iron and steel plants. The fine particulate matter concentration in Byrnihat is over 25 times the World Health Organization's (WHO) prescribed limits, with a reading of 128.2 µg/m³.
Delhi, India's capital, is the world's most polluted capital city and the second most polluted city overall. The annual average PM2.5 concentration in Delhi rose from 102.4 micrograms per cubic meter in 2023 to 108.3 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024. India's annual average concentration of fine particulate matter is 50.6 µg/m3, more than 10 times the permissible limit set by the WHO.
India's air pollution has severe health consequences for its citizens. A study published in the Lancet journal in July 2024 estimated that 7.2% of all deaths in India are associated with air pollution, amounting to approximately 34,000 deaths per year in just 10 cities. Another study by the Mumbai-based International Institute of Population Sciences found that in districts where air pollution exceeds National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), there is a 13% increase in premature mortality for adults and a 100% increase in mortality for children.
Despite these alarming figures, the Indian government has been criticized for its inadequate response to the air pollution crisis. Congress has demanded that the government roll back anti-people environmental law amendments and take more effective action to address the issue.
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Solutions to reduce air pollution in India
India is one of the world's most polluted countries, with Delhi being the most polluted capital city globally. Thirteen of the world's top 20 most polluted cities are in India, with Byrnihat in Assam topping the list. The main sources of air pollution in India include thermal power plants, vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, the burning of crop residue, and the burning of wood and dirty fuels for cooking and heating.
To reduce air pollution in India, a multifaceted approach is necessary, involving both the public and private sectors. Here are some solutions:
Government Initiatives:
- The Indian government has launched the National Clean Air Program, aiming to reduce particulate matter pollution by 40% by 2026. This program includes initiatives such as improved air quality data generation and evidence-based policymaking, providing technical assistance to state and city governments, and facilitating dialogue between various stakeholders.
- The government has also established the Commission of Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas to address hazardous air pollution levels.
- India's Parliament has approved funding of $1.7 billion to fight air pollution in 42 Indian cities with populations of over one million, provided they reduce their air pollution levels by 15% annually.
Technological Innovations:
- India is transitioning to renewable energy sources, with an ambitious target of 500 GW of energy from renewables by 2030. As of March 2024, it has achieved 190 GW.
- The Delhi Metro has adopted solar power, reducing its dependence on coal and saving millions in energy costs.
- Remote sensing technology is being used to measure vehicle emissions in real time, highlighting the need for an accelerated transition to zero-emission vehicles.
Sustainable Practices:
- Individuals can adopt sustainable practices such as carpooling, using public transportation, conserving energy, and supporting community clean air initiatives.
- Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel can significantly reduce vehicular emissions in urban areas.
- The government is encouraging the use of LPG instead of biomass for cooking, with subsidies for additional cylinders, especially for poorer families.
Business Involvement:
- Businesses play a crucial role in tackling air pollution. The Confederation of Indian Industry developed a Corporate Air Emissions Reporting Guide to help businesses manage and report their emissions.
- The Clean Air Fund works with the private sector to find solutions and amplify healthcare professionals' voices in the clean air movement.
International Collaboration:
India can learn from other countries that have successfully tackled air pollution through stringent regulations, technological innovations, public awareness campaigns, and international collaborations to address transboundary pollution issues.
Urban Planning:
- Green infrastructure initiatives such as vertical gardens, green roofs, and urban forests can help absorb pollutants and improve air quality in cities.
- Enhancing green spaces in urban areas and promoting sustainable urban planning practices can contribute to cleaner air.
Public Awareness:
- Community-led air quality monitoring using low-cost sensors and mobile apps can empower local communities to advocate for policy changes and implement interventions.
- Art and awareness campaigns can collaborate with local artists and influencers to raise awareness about the health impacts of air pollution and encourage action.
- Mobile health clinics can provide healthcare services and education in highly polluted areas, addressing respiratory illnesses and other health outcomes related to air pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Delhi is India's most polluted city and the most polluted capital city in the world.
India is home to 13 of the world's 20 most polluted cities. The country ranks as the fifth most polluted country globally.
Industrial discharge, construction dust, and the burning of crop residues are some of the major sources of pollution in India.
As of September 12, 2025, the AQI in India was 78, which is considered moderate.
