Pollution Crisis Deepens As India Tops Global Pollution Charts

India’s pollution crisis has reached an alarming peak, with 70 out of 75 of the world’s most polluted cities being located within its borders now. As the smog-laden skies continue to blur skylines and toxic air chokes millions, the nation stands at a tipping point. India’s pollution ranking not only disturbs our developmental milestones but also exposes a deepening environmental emergency that signals an urgent call for decisive action. Dominating the global charts as the most polluted country, India is struggling with the kind of air quality that is no longer a distant concern but a crisis unfolding in real time, demanding immediate global attention. 

What is really going on? 

According to the recent air quality data, a staggering number of the world’s most polluted cities are located in India. With multiple reports confirming that most of the cities with the worst air in the world are Indian, here’s what we know:

1. IQAir Report highlights 

In its 2024/25 World Air Quality Report, IQAir showed that 13 of the top 20 most polluted cities in the world are located in India. The country’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 was 10 times the WHO’s annual guideline. Despite a slight improvement thereafter, the pollution levels in India continue to remain dangerously high. 

2. Major polluted cities 

While megacities like Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai continue to be some of the worst in recent years, Siktaur tops the global pollution charts, followed by Khalilabad and Balloh. 

The only non-Indian city within the first 15 most polluted cities in the list is Nepal's Lumbini at rank 13. 

4. Policy and monitoring challenges 

India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is supposed to tackle the widespread pollution in the country, however, data shows that many cities still far exceed both national and WHO pollution thresholds, which makes India the most polluted country. 

5. Recent pollution spikes 

Following Diwali, Delhi’s air quality has reportedly plummeted to ‘hazardous’ levels, with the PM2.5 exceeding safe limits. These spikes show how seasonal events can exacerbate an already critical air quality crisis. 

What matters in terms of the bigger picture? 

With India’s recent pollution ranking and so many Indian cities regularly breaching the safe air thresholds, the population of the country is constantly exposed to chronic health risks. Lost productivity, rising healthcare costs and a quality of life decline continue to affect millions. As a systematic national challenge, the scale of pollution in India calls for stronger enforcement, better urban planning, and climate-aligned policies. As India continues to grow economically, being ranked as the most polluted country makes for a national burden which draws international attention. How India responds could set major precedents for other developing nations as well. 

Major causes linked to India’s pollution emergency 

The roots of India’s pollution crisis run deep, driven by a complex web of human activities, rapid development, and environmental neglect. Here are some of the major causes that contribute to the pollution crisis of the country:

1. Industrial emissions – The rapid industrialisation process happening in India has come with a steep environmental cost. Factories across power generation, cement, steel, textiles, and chemicals continue to release vast amounts of toxic gases along with fine particulate matter.
2. Vehicular exhaust – With an exploding population and expanding middle class, India has witnessed a massive surge in private vehicle ownership. Congested roads, idling traffic, and diesel-powered engines contribute heavily to urban air pollution.
3. Crop residue burning – Every winter, the northern plains are shrouded in thick grey haze when farmers burn leftover crop stubble to clear fields quickly. Moreover, with the stagnant winter winds, these pollutants cling to the atmosphere, creating the infamous, suffocating smog that grips northern India each year.
4. Construction dust – India’s building boom has unleashed vast amounts of dust into the air. Without proper dusting control measures, these particles hang in the air, infiltrating lungs and lowering visibility, making construction dust one of the largest contributors to the already worsening air quality in the metro cities.
5. Untreated sewage – Nearly 70% of India’s sewage is discharged into rivers, lakes, and oceans without treatment.
6. Plastic dumping – Improperly discarded plastic enters drainage systems and rivers, causing large-scale water contamination.
7. Landfill overflow – Poor waste management creates massive landfills where leachate, which is a toxic liquid, contaminates soil and nearby groundwater.
8. Seasonal weather patterns – During winter, cold temperatures, low wind speeds, and atmospheric inversion trap pollutants close to the ground, especially in northern India. This natural phenomenon magnifies the impact of man-made emissions, turning cities into pollution chambers where toxins linger for days and weeks.

Key organisations working to control pollution in India 

1. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) 

India’s apex pollution watchdog, CPCB, enforces national environmental standards across air, water, and hazardous waste. It monitors river health, regulates industrial emissions, and implements major programmes like the National Air Quality Index and Ganga pollution control missions. 

2. State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) 

Each state has its own SPCB responsible for permitting industries, monitoring local pollution levels, prosecuting violators, and implementing state-level environmental regulations. 

3. National Green Tribunal (NGT) 

The NGT is India’s dedicated environmental court that delivers fast-track judgement on pollution and ecological violations. Its rulings have pushed governments and various organisations to act on waste and water crises. 

4. The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) 

A leading research and policy institute, TERI works across energy efficiency, waste management, sustainable mobility, water conservation, and climate solutions. It advises governments and industries on cutting emissions and adopting clean technologies. 

What we can do at our level to control the rising pollution crisis 

The change begins with us. Even the smallest everyday choices that we make can help cut down pollution and protect the environment. 

1. Choose public transport – Fewer vehicles on the road mean cleaner air and less traffic.
2. Reduce, reuse, recycle – By cutting down on single-use products and recycling responsibly, we can prevent waste from ending up in landfills, oceans, and streets.
3. Save energy at home – Switching off lights, using energy-efficient appliances, and embracing solar power reduces emissions and eases pressure on power plants.
4. Use eco-friendly products – Opt for biodegradable, chemical-free, and sustainable products to reduce soil, water and plastic pollution.
5. Support clean brands and policies - Choosing environmentally responsible companies and encouraging strong environmental laws strengthens the larger movement.