New Delhi: While Delhi often makes headlines for its poor air quality, a recent report has revealed that Ghaziabad, located in the National Capital Region (NCR), was the most polluted city in India for the month of November.
According to a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Ghaziabad recorded an alarming average PM2.5 concentration of 224 micrograms per cubic meter throughout the month. This level of pollution exceeded the national air quality standards every single day in November.
List of Most Polluted Cities in November
Along with Ghaziabad, several other cities also recorded high pollution levels in November.
Ghaziabad
Noida
Bahadurgarh
Delhi
Hapur
Greater Noida
Baghpat
Sonipat
Meerut
Rohtak
Among these cities, Uttar Pradesh had the highest number, with six cities in the top 10, while Haryana had three and Delhi had one.
Delhi’s Air Quality in November
Despite being known for poor air quality, Delhi ranked fourth in November, with a monthly average PM2.5 level of 215 micrograms per cubic meter. November saw 23 “very poor” days, six “severe” days, and one “poor” day in the capital.
In November, stubble burning accounted for just 7% of the pollution, compared to 20% last year. While the peak contribution reached 22%, it was still lower than last year’s 38%.
Except for Bahadurgarh, all other cities in the top 10 exceeded the national air quality limits every day in November. Bahadurgarh was the only city among the top 10 to record a single day within the National Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) limits.
Many cities in the National Capital Region (NCR), including Charkhi Dadri, Bulandshahr, Jind, Muzaffarnagar, Gurgaon, Khurja, Bhiwani, Karnal, Yamunanagar, and Faridaba,d reported PM2.5 levels above safe limits every day.
Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR
According to Manoj Kumar, an analyst at CREA, despite a significant drop in the influence of stubble burning, many cities in NCR continue to exceed safe pollution levels. He stated, “This clearly indicates that the dominant drivers are year-round sources such as transport, industry, power plants, and other combustion sources. Without targeted reductions in emissions from these sectors, cities will continue to breach standards.”
Pollution Levels Across Indian States
At the state level, Rajasthan had the highest number of cities exceeding national air quality standards in November. A total of 23 out of 34 cities in Rajasthan exceeded the limits. Other states with high pollution levels included:
- Haryana: 22 out of 25 cities
- Uttar Pradesh: 14 out of 20 cities
- Madhya Pradesh: 9 out of 12 cities
- Odisha: 9 out of 14 cities
- Punjab: 7 out of 8 cities
- Shillong: The Cleanest City in India
On the other end of the pollution spectrum, Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, had the cleanest air in November. It recorded a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of just 7 micrograms per cubic meter, making it the least polluted city in the country.
