India's 10 Most Polluted Cities in Winter 2025: An Increasing Concern
When winter approaches, India's cities become shrouded in thick smog, casting its shadow on its citizens' health and well-being. Its deteriorating air quality is fueled by its fast-paced industrialization, population growth, and rising vehicular emissions. Based on the latest reports, the following 10 Indian cities ranked as the most polluted during winter 2025:
Top 10 Most Air Polluted Cities in India
Delhi: The national capital leads the list, with particulate matter (PM) reaching more than 300 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3). The poor air quality of the city is due to vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and stubble burning in surrounding states.
Ghaziabad: Situated in the National Capital Region (NCR), Ghaziabad's air quality is critical, with PM reaching 282 μg/m3. The rapid urbanization and industrialization of the city have led to its poor air quality.
Noida: This NCR city's air quality is a worry with PM reaching 278 μg/m3. The increase in population and number of vehicles has affected the air quality of the city.
Faridabad: Faridabad's air quality is dangerous with PM reaching 274 μg/m3. Industrial activity, traffic emissions, and burning of waste have made the air of this city poor.
Varanasi: The religious city's air quality is questionable, with PM reaching 269 μg/m3. Industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and an increasing population have adversely affected the air quality of the city.
Kanpur: Kanpur's air quality is dangerous with PM reaching 266 μg/m3. Industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and burning of waste have turned Kanpur's air unhealthy.
Lucknow: The air quality of the Uttar Pradesh capital is a cause for concern, with PM reaching 264 μg/m3. The increasing population, vehicle emissions, and industrial processes have affected the air quality of the city.
Agra: With PM reaching 262 μg/m3, the air quality of Agra is dangerous. Industrial processes, vehicle emissions, and burning of waste have made the air quality of the city poor.
Muzaffarnagar: This Uttar Pradesh city's PM levels reach as high as 259 μg/m3, so its air quality is problematic. Its industrial activities, vehicle emissions, and population growth have negatively impacted its air quality.
Bareilly: Bareilly's air quality is dangerous with PM levels as high as 257 μg/m3. Its industrial activities, vehicle emissions, and burning of waste have resulted in its poor air quality.
The Way Forward
The high rates of air pollution in these cities require urgent intervention by the government, citizens, and other stakeholders. Some of the steps that can be undertaken to enhance air quality are:
Adopting more stringent emission standards for industries and vehicles
Facilitating the utilization of clean energy sources such as solar and wind power
Promoting the utilization of electric vehicles
Enacting waste management and recycling programs
Developing green areas and encouraging afforestation programs
Raising awareness of the significance of air quality and what people can do to enhance it
Together, we can reduce the impact of air pollution and build a healthier, more sustainable world for ourselves and generations to come.