The air pollution in India has been responsible for over 2 million deaths each year, which is a stark danger it poses to the health of inhabitants. Around 96 percent of the population in India are exposed to pollution at levels of PM 2.5 levels. In the air quality index, or AQI in a number of cities is constantly above 400, on average, which raises the chance of suffering from respiratory diseases as well as other health conditions. The main reasons for the high levels of air pollution within Indian cities are the emission of vehicles of nitrogen oxide as well as particles, pollution from industrial sources burning of crops, construction work and weather conditions, particularly in winter. The degree that pollution is causing in India can be determined by the fact that 21 of the 30 cities that are the most polluted in the world are in India. Let’s take a look at the the top 10 most polluted cities in India for 2026.
Top 10 Most Polluted Cities in India
1 Delhi
The capital city of Delhi is not just the city with the highest pollution levels in India but also one of the most polluted cities around the world. The index of air quality in Delhi often exceeds the 400 threshold or critical mark, particularly in winter, and is generally at or near 350 throughout the course of the year.
The main causes of pollution in Delhi are the exhaust from vehicles massive construction projects heavy industries such as power generation, small industries such as brick kilns, open waste burning, and in-situ energy generation from diesel generators. Additionally, burning of crop residue during the harvest season contributes to the pollution problem.
2. Ghaziabad
Ghaziabad is a city located in UP and part of the National Capital Region, consistently is plagued by poor air quality, with AQI over 350 points in the extreme category. The primary reason for the pollutants in the air of Ghaziabad is the huge increase in vehicle emissions over the last 10 years due to the increase in automobiles.
The close proximity of Delhi and the large number of industrial facilities are major contributors in the pollution issues of Ghaziabad. The most polluted regions within the city are Vasundhara, Sanjay Nagar and Indirapuram.
3. Byrnihat
Byrnihat is a city located in the State of Meghalaya is one of the cities that are most polluted in India because of their air quality index which varies between severe and hazardous categories. The main reason for the excessive levels of pollution in the area is due to the existence of 41 industrial facilities emitting harmful gases and particles of matter. These include distilleries, the cement industry, steel plants, and manufacturing facilities for beverage production.
PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels are especially excessive in Byrnihat which pose a significant danger in the overall health and wellbeing of residents.
4. Chandigarh
In the Union Territory of Chandigarh has seen a decline in air quality over the past few years with AQI often exceeding at least 300. There are a variety of factors that contribute to the deteriorating air quality in the city. These include industrial pollutants and automobile emissions, demolition and construction activities as well as road dust and burning of waste.
A comprehensive action plan that covers 130 cities including Chandigarh for improving air quality introduced in the year 2019. While some cities have seen improvement in the level PM10, 97 cities have not shown improvement. PM10, Chandigarh is not one of them and has seen an increase in the quality of air rather.
5. Hapur
Hapur is a city located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, figures among the cities that are most polluted in India because of its poor air quality. The AQI of the city is less than 300, however, it often exceeds this number. The primary reasons for pollutants in Hapur include industrial emission as well as high traffic congestions caused by an abundance of cars.
According to the Greenpeace study, Hapur is among multiple cities in UP that have large levels of PM10 which poses an enigma for the wellbeing of inhabitants.
6. Dhanbad
Dhanbad one of the cities situated in Jharkhand and with an AQI of 280 or more is among the most city polluted in India. The primary reason for high pollutant levels in the air and water of the city is the high concentration of coal mines, ceramic kilns, thermal power stations coke ovens as well as coal briquette plant along with stone crushing plants. The pollution control measures implemented by industrial units within the city haven’t proved to be sufficient.
PM2.5 concentrations in Jharkhand are around twice higher than WHO recommended levels, which pose an enigma for public health.
7. Baddi
Baddi is an industrial town in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh which is ranked as one of the cities with the highest pollution in India. The AQI of the city is usually higher than 270. Industrial emissions are the main factor in bad air quality in Baddi. In fact, the groundwater of the city isn’t clean. A study by IIT Mandi and IIT Jammu found contaminants of toxic metals in groundwater from the the Baddi-Barotwala region.
8. Noida
Noida is part of Noida is a part of the National Capital Region and is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. With an AQI that is in the range of 270 it is included in the top ten pollution-prone cities of India. An abundance of construction projects and sites are a major factor in low air quality in the city. In addition, the presence of a number of industrial facilities also contribute to the emission of high levels. The air quality in Noida is a lot worse in winter, as a blanket of smog blankets the city.
9. Muzaffarnagar
Muzaffarnagar is a city of great importance located in Western Uttar Pradesh, has an average AQI of about 150, which falls in the low category. However Muzaffarnagar’s AQI in the area can be expected to rise to the extreme category in winter. Excessive emissions from a variety of brick kilns, sugar mills and manufacturing facilities in the city cause a significant amount of the air pollution. The high levels of emissions from vehicles also play an crucial roles in degrading the quality of air in the city.
10. Saharsa
Saharsa is a city of a modest size located in Bihar, the Indian state. Bihar however, it is one of the most polluted cities due to its low AQI within the range of 150. Growing urbanisation and development of infrastructure has resulted in massive construction and an increase in the amount of traffic that passes through the city and both have had an adverse effect on the quality of air.
Conclusion
The awareness of pollution has grown in recent years. Both the central and state governments have implemented various actions to combat the pollution crisis across the nation. However, more effort and participation from the public are needed.
