Breathe at Your Own Risk: Top 10 Most Polluted Cities in India 2024

Recent research has found that air pollution is causing 7 million deaths every year. And do you know India holds 2.18 million death records every year due to outdoor air pollution? Severe air pollution in the country is a major concern. Let’s check the top 10 most polluted cities in India 2024 till August.   

The AQI data offers the year’s average levels for each city and monthly air quality trend. It mostly covers the NCR parts and as per a report, the Vehicular population has reached around 6 million in these areas including Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, etc. It highlights that development activities such as construction and vehicular movements play important roles. Moreover, the seasonal variety changes the air quality trend from Winter to Monsoon seasons. Here are the top 10 Indian cities with high AQI levels from January to August 2024:

Data source: AQI.in

1. Noida, Uttar Pradesh

• Yearly Average AQI: 199
• Monthly Breakdown:

Analysis:

Noida is a part of the National Capital Region (NCR). Rapid urbanization and industrialization are increasing in the city and transforming it into a major hub for various sectors. Sadly, this growth has cost the air quality of the city. It has worsened over the past decade as air pollution is increasing day by day.

The year 2024 starts with an alarming level of AQI in the 388 “Severe” category. After this, the air quality trend started becoming better as AQI stood at 182 “Poor” category in March. The main reasons for high AQI in the first two months can be the winter sensor as fog and several emissions trap more pollutants.

Another spike:

The Air quality index of Noida starts decreasing and air quality becomes a little better. However, it spikes again in April reaching the 204 “Unhealthy” category for two months. AQI in Noida increases in these months due to crop burning in nearby regions.

2. Faridabad, Haryana

• Yearly Average AQI: 190
• Monthly Breakdown:

Analysis:

Faridabad is situated in Haryana and is a part of NCR. With every year, industrial growth and urban expansion have covered the city. Numerous factories and manufacturing units also resulted in declining air quality. Air quality levels in Faridabad have declined over the past decade.

Faridabad ranks second for the top 10 most polluted cities in India 2024. The average AQI of Faridabad is 190. Similar to Noida, the year for Faridabad started with 374 AQI and was in the “ Severe” category. Again the winter season can be the expected reason for increase the in air pollution at the year’s start.

Another spike:

Similar to Noida, AQI in Faridabad also spiked in April and May reaching the “Unhealthy” category. The AQI spike reasons are again stubble burning in the nearby areas. Noida and Faridabad’s pollution conditions are the same. Then the air quality improved in July and August because of monsoon rains.

3. Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

• Yearly Average AQI: 185
• Monthly Breakdown:

Analysis:

Ghaziabad is also a part of the NCR and is situated in Uttar Pradesh. The city is known for its manufacturing industries and estate development. However, the progress has affected the environment of the city and increased air pollution every year.

With an annual average AQI of 185, Ghaziabad ranks third in the top 10 most polluted cities in India in 2024. From the start, AQI levels in the city peak at 371 “ Severe” category. Various emissions are responsible for increasing the AQI level in the city such as from vehicles and industries. Similar to other NCR parts, AQI declines in monsoon months.

4. New Delhi, Delhi

• Yearly Average AQI: 184
• Monthly Breakdown:

Analysis:

The capital city of India, New Delhi is the heart of the metropolis and economic activities. New Delhi is known for its tremendous growth in population, vehicles, industries and infrastructure developments over time. Sadly, these developments also increase the air pollution levels in the city.

In 2024, the AQI level in New Delhi has a yearly average of 184. And the year begins with 370 AQI “Severe” category in January. The major factors for poor air quality are many vehicles, and industries’ waste waste-burning emissions. Again, air pollution levels increased in May.

5. Bhiwadi, Rajasthan

• Yearly Average AQI: 169
• Monthly Breakdown:

Analysis:

Bhiwadi is an industrial hub located in Rajasthan well-known for manufacturing and automotive industries. Hence, the development is at its peak as being near to Delhi. Unfortunately, the development benefits also come with a cost as poor air quality.

In 2024, AQI in Bhiwadi records an average of 169 AQI. Similar to other top 3 cities, AQI levels spiked in January to 339 “Severe” category. The high pollution levels are due to emissions from various sources including factories and poor waste management practices.

In the monsoon months, AQI in Bhiwadi improved to the “Moderate” category.

6. Patna, Bihar

• Yearly Average AQI: 154
• Monthly Breakdown:

Analysis:

Bihar’s capital, Patna is known for oldest inhabited places in the world. The city is expanding its development with the time on infrastructure, education and other opportunities. However, these developments have led to increased air pollution and affect air quality.

In 2024 till now, Patna recorded an annual average AQI of 154. The city AQI in January is 250 “Unhealthy” category. The same level was recorded in April as 241 the reason can winter fog and high vehicular emissions. Many reports have found that air quality in Patna is affected due to roads, bridges and house construction.

Similar to other cities, AQI improved in the monsoon season. As in July and August, AQI remains in the “Moderate” category.  

7. Sonipat, Haryana

• Yearly Average AQI: 153
• Monthly Breakdown:

Analysis:

Sonipat is also a part of NCR in Haryana known for its undergoing rapid developments. Since, the city of become a hub of rapid industrialization and urban development. However, the air quality in Sonipat is becoming poor due to continuous roads and infrastructure constructions.

The average AQI of Sonipat in 2024 recorded 153. Similar to other cities, January recorded 334 “Severe” category. The winter season and other emissions include Vehicular traffic and agricultural practices in the city. Stubble burning in the nearby areas affected the air quality and remained in the “Poor” category from February to June. After that, the monsoon months put the air quality in the “Moderate” category.

8. Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh

• Yearly Average AQI: 152
• Monthly Breakdown:

Analysis:

Muzaffarnagar is known for its agricultural market and sugar industries. The city has been developing industrially, with growth in various manufacturing sectors. Unfortunately, this industrial expansion has led to increased air pollution, deteriorating the air quality over the years.

January recorded the highest AQI of 314 “Severe” category.  Air quality issues arise due to sugar mills, and high emissions from brick kilns and vehicles as well. From February to June, AQI remained in the “Poor” category. After this, AQI decreases during the rainy season and still exceeds the safe levels.

9. Rohtak, Haryana

• Yearly Average AQI: 152
• Monthly Breakdown:

Analysis:

Haryana’s well-known city Rohtak is developing rapidly in various sectors. The city is experiencing more construction and vehicular traffic. Hence, these developments have increased the air pollution level in the city.

Thus Rohtak is one of the top 10 Indian most polluted cities. As of 2024, the average AQI of the city recorded 152. January has the highest level of 327 “Severe” category. Many reports have found that unpaved roads, construction sites, fields, and fires have affected the air quality in the city. Till June, AQI remained in the “Poor” category and after this rainy season has improved it.

10. Saharsa, Bihar

• Yearly Average AQI: 151
• Monthly Breakdown:

Analysis:

A small and developing city of Bihar, Saharsa is also on the list. Saharsa’s infrastructure and urbanization are increasing. It has increased the vehicular and construction activities in the city. Hence, the progress has also affected the air quality over the years.  

Saharsa has an average AQI of 151 from 2024 till now. January records an AQI of 247 “Unhealthy” category still better than other cities. However, the levels contributed to the ongoing development activities such as construction and emissions from vehicles.

However, The AQI in the city remains in the “Poor” category from February to August and the monsoon season failed to provide relief in the city from the poor air quality.

Conclusion

The data of the top 10 most polluted cities in India 2024 highlights the air quality picture across the country. Winter season and various emissions are the major culprits in the year beginning. Poor air quality is creating an alarming condition in the country to take urgent action. Addressing these issues is crucial to improve air quality for every person in India.