Top 10 Cities: India’s air pollution continues to be a serious health menace, with many cities recording alarmingly high levels of air-borne pollutants. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is taken as a key measure of the threat, with levels above 100 indicating unhealthy air for vulnerable groups, and levels above 200 as hazardous for all individuals. Below are some of the worst-affected cities according to the latest available data.
Located in the Assam-Meghalaya border, Byrnihat surprisingly took the top position among India’s filthiest cities. Byrnihat had a PM2.5 annual average concentration of 128.2 µg/m³, maintaining its AQI persistently in the range of 300–350, making its air hazardous nearly for a whole year.
Delhi consistently remains in the list of world capitals with the poorest air. AQI often crosses 350 during winter, with some days reading more than 450, all due mainly to traffic pollution, industrial emissions, and regular stubble burning in the surrounding states.
Greater Noida has emerged as one of the largest pollution hubs, with AQI frequently falling between 250–300. The industrial zones and high usage of heavy traffic strongly contribute towards the city’s poor air.
The Haryana industrial town usually sees AQI reading in the 300–330 range. The industries, constant construction, and heavy traffic all propel pollution to the “very poor” range.
Ghaziabad’s AQI always hovers above 280, since poor planning and rapid growth aggravate its pollution. Being situated near Delhi, it’s usually blanketed by the same toxic haze during months with severe smog.
AQI levels in Bhiwadi are still in the range of 270–310, and the main sources include brick kilns, industrial facilities, and open emissions. Greenery in the town is insufficient to offset pollution.
Noida has witnessed rapid urbanization, but its air quality has suffered as a result. AQI levels in the city have fluctuated between 160–220 and have gone beyond the “poor” level very frequently during non-winter months.
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Muzaffarnagar regularly scores 180–240 AQI, particularly post-harvest when crop residue burning is highest. Industrial processes and rising vehicle numbers are responsible for the city’s air quality problems.
Meerut regularly scores 170–210 AQI. Industrial emission and construction dust due to regular building activity contribute to its always “poor” air quality rating.
Bhiwani, although less well-known, is also plagued with serious air quality issues. AQI levels tend to be 160–200, as contributed by domestic industries and increased urban traffic.
These urban clusters are some of India’s most impoverished areas in terms of air quality. With AQI levels often several notches above safety measures, citizens are under the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Long-term solutions have to include tough emission control, investing in mass transport, green infrastructure, and awareness campaigns. Clean air cannot be an extravagance anymore—it is a question of life and death.
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