List Of India’s Top 10 Most Polluted Cities Today: Delhi, Ghaziabad And Noida Among The Worst-Affected

List Of India’s Top 10 Most Polluted Cities:  India is currently facing its season's worst Air Quality Index (AQI), especially National Capital of India. Most of the Indian cities are ranking within the ‘Hazardous’ and ‘Very Unhealthy’ categories, which is very concerning. Air Pollution can lead to numerous health issues and even death in worst-case scenarios. The causes of Air pollution are vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, stubble burning and many such human activities. Moreover, the winter season often also comes along with a ‘smog blanket,’ which is known to worsen the air quality. To learn more, here is a list of the top 10 most polluted cities in India, according to the IQAir Air Quality Rankings.

List Of India’s Top 10 Most Polluted Cities Today:

Source: Live AQI has been recorded as of November 11, 2025 (Tuesday) – 13:07 IST PM – on IQAir Air Quality Rankings.

1. Delhi (AQI: 415):

Currently, Delhi has the worst air quality index in India, which is falling under the ‘Hazardous’ category. The main pollutants surrounding the air of the national capital are PM2.5 and PM10, which emanate from vehicle emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, and agricultural stubble burning in neighbouring states. Additionally, the quality of air worsens in Delhi in winter due to temperature inversions and low wind speeds that trap pollutants near the surface.

2. New Delhi (AQI: 363):

The capital, New Delhi, shares similar challenges, with the ‘Hazardous’ AQI of 363. High rise in pollution is due to congestion of traffic, industrial emissions, and crop burning in the season. The air quality worsened here due to firecrackers during the peak festive season.

3. Kishanganj (AQI: 328):

With an AQI of 328, Kishanganj, a city of Bihar, is also witnessing ‘Hazardous’ pollution rankings. The surge in pollution here is due to Industrial and vehicular emissions, and biomass burning.

4. Ghaziabad (AQI: 310):

Ghaziabad is also a part of the National Capital Region and records an AQI of 310. Heavy traffic, industrial activities, and construction dust are the major causes of pollution in the city. Additionally, the levels of PM2.5 and PM10 stay high here, which are hazardous to health.

5. Noida (AQI: 288):

Noida is also one of the most polluted cities of India, with a very unhealthy AQI of 288. The causes of pollution here are urbanisation, growing traffic congestion and industrial emissions. Its proximity to Delhi also adds to its already high pollution levels.

Also Read: Top 10 Most Polluted Cities In The World 2025: 3 Indian Cities On The List Amid Diwali Celebrations

6. Gurugram (AQI: 284):

Gurugram is currently breathing a very unhealthy air quality of 284 AQI. Vehicle emissions, construction dust, and growing industries are major causes of the high surge in air pollution here.

7. Ingraj Bazar (AQI: 247):

Ingraj Bazar in West Bengal is also known as English Bazar. With an AQI of 247, the city is unhealthily polluted due to industrial emissions and the pollution caused by vehicles.

8. Shrirampur (AQI: 232 ):

Shrirampur is situated in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra and scores an AQI of 232. The city faces a high level of pollution due to industrial activities and vehicle emissions. Seasonal agricultural activities also contribute to the bad air quality in this city.

9. Sodepur (AQI: 226):

Also in West Bengal, Sodepur has an AQI of 226, and here, also main cause of pollution is industrial emissions and vehicular pollution.

Also Read: Smog Stories: How Delhi's Air Pollution Crisis Escalated After 2010 | Reason And Timeline

10. Masila (AQI: 216):

Masila town is again situated in the Indian state of West Bengal. Here also, the cause of pollution is industrial activities and vehicle emissions. The place’s AQI score at 216.

Most of the above cities are part of Delhi NCR and West Bengal, which is also a matter of concern. The hazardous AQI levels can become the reason for severe health issues for the people living in these areas. Alongside, the main reasons for high pollution levels and bad quality of air are due to vehicle emissions, industrial activity, construction dust, stubble burning, to agricultural reasons. All of which points towards urgent efforts to resolve these issues and ensure better air quality for the nation of billions.