NEW DELHI: Twenty-two of the world’s 25 most polluted cities were in India on October 24, according to real-time rankings by AQI.in, highlighting the scale of the country’s air pollution crisis as winter approaches.
Cities across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra and other states featured prominently in the global air pollution rankings, indicating that hazardous air quality is not confined to the capital, New Delhi.
On October 24, Meerut in Uttar Pradesh ranked second globally, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 386. Ghaziabad was fourth at 370, while Panipat in Haryana ranked fifth at 369. Noida and Greater Noida recorded readings of 367 and 361, respectively, placing both among the world’s 10 most polluted cities.
A separate AQI.in snapshot at 8 pm placed Palghar in Maharashtra at the top of the global ranking, with an AQI of 376. The different readings reflect changes in pollution levels throughout the day.
The rankings underscore concerns about the air breathed by millions of people across India, where vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, construction dust and agricultural burning contribute to pollution.
Pollution Spreads Beyond Delhi
The concentration of highly polluted cities in northern India points to a regional problem extending beyond New Delhi and its surrounding National Capital Region.
Alongside Meerut, Ghaziabad, Noida, Greater Noida and Panipat, the ranking included Hapur, Muzaffarnagar and Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, as well as Sonipat and Karnal in Haryana.
Other cities appearing on the list included Bhiwandi and Thane in Maharashtra, Bathinda and Faridkot in Punjab, and Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan.
Emissions from traffic, industry, construction and other activities add to the pollution burden, while weather conditions influence how quickly pollutants disperse.
Delhi was absent from the 25-city ranking in the October 24 snapshots, despite recording high pollution levels earlier that morning.
According to AQI.in, the capital’s AQI stood at 296 at 9.31am, down from 337 at the same time on October 23.
The ranking is a real-time assessment, and cities can move up or down as conditions change. Delhi’s absence from the list therefore does not mean its air was clean or that its pollution problem had been resolved.
As winter approaches, weaker winds and unfavourable atmospheric conditions can prevent pollutants from dispersing, allowing them to accumulate closer to the ground.
Smoke from the burning of crop residue can add to emissions from vehicles, construction and industry. Firecrackers used during festive celebrations may also contribute to pollution.
