- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Mon, 14 Jul 2025 01:43 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Top 10 Most Polluted Cities In India: Air pollution is still a major issue that has an impact on people's daily lives and health in many parts of India. Data indicates that several Indian cities continue to face hazardously high levels of PM2.5 pollution in the first half of 2025 (January to June). PM2.5 is a tiny particulate matter that can enter the lungs and cause serious health problems. Unbelievably, Meghalaya's Brynihat had the highest pollution level, followed by Delhi, Hajipur and Ghaziabad.
One of the most worrying highlights of this list is that Bihar has its four cities including Patna are among the top 10 most polluted in the country. This clearly shows how pollution is spreading beyond metro cities into smaller towns and industrial zones. Vehicle emissions, dust from construction sites, waste burning, industrial smoke, and a lack of greenery are the main causes of this pollution. Millions are at risk of breathing-related illnesses as the air quality deteriorates in the absence of effective pollution control and public awareness.
Top 1o Most Polluted Cities In India From January To June 2025: CREA
In this article, we look at the top 10 most polluted cities in India in the first six months of 2025 and the possible causes behind their poor air quality, according to the recent report of CREA (Centre of Research and Energy on Clean Air).
1. Brynihat, Meghalaya – 133 µg/m³
In the first half of 2025, Brynihat is the most polluted city in India. It is in Meghalaya, and the primary causes of its increasing pollution levels are coal mining, automobile smoke, and industrial emissions. The air quality is very bad because of expanding industrial areas and a lack of effective pollution control measures.
2. Delhi – 87 µg/m³
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Top 10 most polluted cities in India (Image: Canva)
The national capital, Delhi, continues to be affected by high levels of pollution from industrial smoke, construction dust, automobile traffic, and stubble burning in neighbouring states. The city's dense population and traffic congestion exacerbate the air quality, even with initiatives like odd-even rules and green projects.
3. Hajipur, Bihar – 85 µg/m³
Heavy traffic, improper waste management and unplanned urban development have all contributed to the dramatic increase in pollution in Banana City, Hajipur of Bihar. The city's poor air quality is exacerbated by emissions from nearby factories and the burning of solid waste.
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4. Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh – 78 µg/m³
Ghaziabad, which is renowned for its rapid urbanisation and dense population, is polluted by brick kilns, factories, automobile emissions, and construction activities. Since the city is close to Delhi, the contaminated air from the capital also affects it.
5. Gurgaon, Haryana – 74 µg/m³
With thousands of cars and ongoing construction projects, Gurgaon is a significant corporate and industrial centre. Traffic jams, construction site dust and industrial emissions, especially in the absence of green spaces, are the main causes of the high pollution levels in this area.
6. Sasaram, Bihar – 69 µg/m³
Top 10 most polluted cities in India (Image: Canva)
The burning of biomass, road dust, and industrial activity in the surrounding areas are all contributing to Sasaram's rising pollution levels. The air has become heavier and more unhealthy in recent years due to poor waste disposal and an increase in the number of vehicles.
7. Patna, Bihar – 68 µg/m³
One of India's most polluted state capitals is still Patna. Road dust, waste burning, heavy traffic, and little greenery are the main causes. Additionally, pollutants are trapped during the winter, worsening the state of the air.
8. Talcher, Odisha – 68 µg/m³
The primary sources of pollution in Talcher are the coal mining and thermal power plant industries. In this industrial area, burning coal releases a lot of PM2.5 particles, which are bad for the environment and people's health.
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9. Rourkela, Odisha – 68 µg/m³
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Top 10 most polluted cities in India (Image: Canva)
Another industrial town with factories producing heavy machinery and steel is Rourkela. Its air quality is dangerously unhealthy due to industrial emissions, inadequate waste management, and a lack of green spaces that purify the air.
10. Rajgir, Bihar – 68 µg/m³
Even though Rajgir is a popular tourist destination, pollution levels are rising as a result of waste burning, illegal construction, and increased traffic. Lack of precipitation and seasonal dry spells also prolong the time that dust remains suspended in the atmosphere.
