Pollution Rankings in India

The pollution ranking for India is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.

Faridabad

#1 in Pollution (#2 worldwide)

Faridabad faces significant pollution challenges in 2024, with alarming air quality levels gravely affecting public health and daily life. The high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 pollutants are a critical concern. The city's air quality is poor, leading to pressing worries about respiratory and other long-term health impacts associated with polluted air.

Ghaziabad

#2 in Pollution (#7 worldwide)

Ghaziabad struggles with significant air pollution issues, vastly affecting well-being and quality of life for its residents. Industrial activities and vehicular emissions heavily influence air quality concerns. Despite the critical situation, initiatives targeting pollution control and public awareness are necessary to mitigate the impact of these environmental challenges.

Noida

#3 in Pollution (#8 worldwide)

Severe pollution levels dominate the environmental landscape in Noida for 2024. Air quality, particularly concerning PM2.5 and PM10 levels, poses significant health risks. Residents are profoundly concerned about the long-term effects of poor air quality, exacerbated by high urban density and traffic congestion.

Gurgaon

#4 in Pollution (#10 worldwide)

Gurgaon's air quality in 2024 remains a significant challenge, with pollution reaching alarming levels due to high concentrations of particulate matter and urban emissions. Air quality in the city is notably poor, evidenced by high PM2.5 and PM10 levels, which indicate severe pollution, presenting health risks to residents.

Delhi

#5 in Pollution (#12 worldwide)

Delhi is grappling with severe air quality issues, ranking poorly with some of the highest levels of particulate matter observed globally. The city struggles with severe pollution largely due to traffic congestion and industrial emissions that contribute to its notorious smog.

Patna

#6 in Pollution (#18 worldwide)

Air pollution in Patna continues to be a pressing issue with very high levels of particulate matter. This poses severe health risks to residents, especially considering the dense urban environment. Especially during certain seasons, air quality becomes a critical health concern, demanding urgent action from both authorities and citizens to protect public health.

Allahabad

#7 in Pollution (#19 worldwide)

Pollution in Allahabad remains a significant concern in 2024, particularly with critically high levels of air pollutants such as PM2.5 and PM10, which contribute to a challenging air quality scenario. Residents express strong concerns about the adverse health effects of air pollution, with air quality ratings reflecting these apprehensions.

Kanpur

#8 in Pollution (#21 worldwide)

Kanpur faces significant challenges with air quality, with pollution levels among the highest in India. This is exacerbated by industrial activities and vehicular emissions contributing to poor air conditions. The city's air quality is extremely poor, with both PM2.5 and PM10 levels indicating severe pollution, raising substantial public health concerns.

Varanasi

#9 in Pollution (#22 worldwide)

Raipur

#10 in Pollution (#23 worldwide)

Raipur faces significant challenges with pollution, particularly air quality, which is rated extremely poor due to high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). These pollution levels pose serious health risks and are a major concern for the city's residents.

Ludhiana

#11 in Pollution (#24 worldwide)

Ludhiana faces severe air quality issues in 2024, primarily due to high particulate matter concentrations, which are well above safe limits, impacting public health significantly. Residents express strong concerns over the long-term health impacts, with air quality being rated very poorly.

Amritsar

#12 in Pollution (#31 worldwide)

Mumbai

#13 in Pollution (#36 worldwide)

Mumbai faces significant challenges concerning air quality in 2024, with high pollution levels underscoring ongoing environmental issues. Public sentiment strongly indicates discomfort due to poor air quality, exacerbated by high levels of particulate matter during certain periods.

Gwalior

#14 in Pollution (#38 worldwide)

Gwalior's air quality is a significant concern, characterized by high levels of particulate matter that strongly affect residents' health and well-being. Air quality indices reveal severe pollution, heightening the need for systemic solutions to curb emissions and enhance urban living conditions.

Bangalore

#15 in Pollution (#39 worldwide)

Bangalore struggles with significant air pollution issues in 2024, characterized by high particulate matter levels, especially PM2.5 and PM10. This contributes to public health concerns and demands attention from environmental authorities. Air quality is rated poorly, indicating a pressing need to address emissions from vehicles and industrial activities.

Meerut

#16 in Pollution (#40 worldwide)

Jalandhar

#17 in Pollution (#44 worldwide)

Jalandhar faces significant challenges with pollution, particularly from air quality issues. Industrial activities and heavy traffic are key contributors to the city's pollution levels. Air quality is categorized as poor, primarily due to high particulate matter levels, raising serious health concerns among residents.

Lucknow (Lakhnau)

#18 in Pollution (#54 worldwide)

Lucknow's pollution levels in 2024 present significant challenges, particularly with air quality. Urban pollution remains a pressing issue, affecting the health and well-being of residents. Air quality perceptions are predominantly negative, with particulate matter levels, especially PM2.5 and PM10, far exceeding safe limits and raising health concerns.

Kolkata

#19 in Pollution (#55 worldwide)

Hyderabad

#20 in Pollution (#61 worldwide)

Air quality in Hyderabad poses serious challenges, with high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 indicating substantial pollution. The city's air quality issues are predominantly driven by urban industrial activities and vehicular emissions. Residents voice significant apprehensions about air quality, directly correlating to health concerns, especially for vulnerable populations.

Guwahati

#21 in Pollution (#62 worldwide)

Guwahati faces substantial challenges with pollution, particularly in air quality, underlined by high levels of particulate matter that affect residents' health and comfort. The air quality is notably poor, bringing attention to the need for actions to curb pollution, primarily driven by traffic and industrial emissions.

Chennai

#22 in Pollution (#67 worldwide)

Chennai faces significant challenges with air pollution, characterized by high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) that exceed safe limits, posing health risks to residents. Public dissatisfaction with air quality reflects concerns about long-term health impacts, necessitating urgent environmental management solutions.

Belgaum

#23 in Pollution (#72 worldwide)

Belgaum grapples with concerning pollution levels, particularly in waste management and noise. Air quality remains consistent in its moderate status, with main attention turning towards other pollution forms. Despite improved technology and measures, the air quality index reflects a cautious stance due to urbanization effects and persistent pollution challenges.

Ahmedabad

#24 in Pollution (#74 worldwide)

Vijayawada

#25 in Pollution (#75 worldwide)

Vijayawada faces significant challenges in pollution, with higher than desirable levels of particulate matter contributing to poor air quality. The pollution index suggests areas for critical improvement. Particulate matter levels, including PM2.5 and PM10, are notably high, influencing public health concerns regarding air quality.

Kochi

#26 in Pollution (#77 worldwide)

Kochi, in 2024, faces significant challenges regarding air quality as pollution levels are quite high, affecting the overall environment and health of its residents. The air quality, marked by high PM2.5 and PM10 levels, is a continual concern for health, urging local authorities to devise strategies for better management.

Pune

#27 in Pollution (#84 worldwide)

Dehradun

#28 in Pollution (#91 worldwide)

Dehradun faces significant environmental challenges with poor air quality levels, primarily due to high particulate matter from vehicular emissions and industrial activities. Air pollution is a major concern, impacting health and the overall quality of life for Dehradun's inhabitants.

Visakhapatnam

#29 in Pollution (#105 worldwide)

Visakhapatnam faces significant challenges in terms of air quality, with pollution levels presenting a moderate to serious concern for its residents. Emissions from traffic and industries are primary contributors to air pollution levels. The city's air quality, although problematic, encourages a cautious approach to improvement efforts, particularly in densely populated and industrial areas.

Jammu

#30 in Pollution (#108 worldwide)

Jammu confronts significant challenges with air pollution, as indicated by higher levels of both PM2.5 and PM10. These pollutants primarily arise from urban traffic and industrial activities. The air quality in Jammu continues to be a major issue of concern due to potential health impacts, calling for urgent policy interventions to improve the situation.

Vadodara

#31 in Pollution (#114 worldwide)

Vadodara faces challenges with air pollution, primarily due to industrial and vehicular emissions, contributing to moderate air quality concerns. PM2.5 and PM10 levels indicate potential health risks, particularly in densely populated areas. Residents express moderate satisfaction with air quality, though there are notable health concerns, particularly for vulnerable communities.

Coimbatore

#32 in Pollution (#118 worldwide)

Coimbatore struggles with pollution issues, particularly concerning air quality, where particulate matter levels remain a concern. There is a moderate level of dissatisfaction with air pollution, affecting residents' comfort in spending time outdoors.

Thane

#33 in Pollution (#120 worldwide)

Air pollution in Thane remains a critical concern, particularly in terms of particulate matter levels. The city struggles with maintaining healthy air quality due to industrial activities and vehicular emissions. Despite the moderate air quality rating, residents continue to express concerns over its health implications, especially during peak pollution seasons.

Ranchi

#34 in Pollution (#124 worldwide)

Ranchi faces significant challenges in pollution control, with high concern expressed over urban cleanliness and waste management. Air quality is a moderate concern with moderate particulate levels. Residents are increasingly worried about the effects of pollution on health, compounded by concerns over environmental management practices, particularly waste and garbage disposal.

Jaipur

#35 in Pollution (#133 worldwide)

Air pollution remains a significant challenge in Jaipur, with high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 due to vehicular emissions and industrial activities prevalent in the region. Public concern is high regarding air quality's long-term impact on health, reflecting the urgent need for effective environmental policies and practices.

Nagpur

#36 in Pollution (#135 worldwide)

Air quality remains a challenge in Nagpur, with high levels of particulate matter posing health risks. Urban emissions contribute to these issues, particularly affecting those with respiratory vulnerabilities. Despite these concerns, pollution levels are not deemed catastrophic but require strategic intervention to improve air conditions.

Indore

#37 in Pollution (#139 worldwide)

Indore grapples with significant air pollution challenges, largely due to high PM2.5 and PM10 levels which exceed safe limits, posing health risks to its inhabitants. The city's air quality remains a pressing issue that residents are increasingly worried about, especially given its implications for long-term health.

Rajkot

#38 in Pollution (#143 worldwide)

Rajkot faces moderate pollution challenges, significantly indicative of air quality problems largely due to high PM2.5 and PM10 levels. Urban growth and vehicular emissions are primary contributors. Air quality remains a topic of concern, with public awareness regarding its potential health implications steadily increasing.

Navi Mumbai

#39 in Pollution (#149 worldwide)

Despite improvements, air quality in Navi Mumbai remains a challenge, with high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 contributing to health concerns. The city struggles to maintain clean atmospheric conditions, impacting public health and quality of life.

Mysore

#40 in Pollution (#152 worldwide)

Mysore enjoys relatively clean air with minimal PM2.5 and PM10 levels, contributing to positive environmental perceptions albeit other pollution factors. Despite good air quality metrics, the city's overall pollution index reveals moderate concerns, particularly regarding water pollution.

Bhopal

#41 in Pollution (#155 worldwide)

Bhopal faces significant challenges with pollution, particularly in terms of air quality. High levels of particulate matter are a consistent concern for residents, impacting overall health and well-being. Despite some initiatives to address pollution, the air quality situation remains critical, prompting considerable public concern over the long-term health implications.

Thiruvananthapuram

#42 in Pollution (#163 worldwide)

Thiruvananthapuram's air quality shows moderate concerns, with notable issues relating to particulate matter like PM2.5 and PM10. Urban development and traffic are primary contributors to air pollution. Public sentiment reflects moderate satisfaction with the air quality, underscoring the need for enhanced pollution control measures.

Jamshedpur

#43 in Pollution (#164 worldwide)

In Jamshedpur, efforts to improve air quality have made headway, yet pollution remains a concern needing ongoing action. Industry and urban traffic are key contributors to existing pollution levels. Despite the strides made, maintaining low levels of particulate matter remains a priority, ensuring health protection for vulnerable population groups.

Surat

#44 in Pollution (#168 worldwide)

Despite efforts, air quality in Surat remains a pressing issue, primarily impacted by high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 pollutants. Residents express ongoing concerns about air pollution, which significantly affects day-to-day life and long-term health.

Chandigarh

#45 in Pollution (#187 worldwide)

Chandigarh faces challenges with air pollution, primarily due to high levels of particulate matter. These concerns are more pronounced in urban areas of the city. Despite improvements, air quality remains a topic of concern, with ongoing discourse about its long-term health impacts.

Mangalore

#46 in Pollution (#190 worldwide)

In 2024, Mangalore shows moderate pollution levels with continued efforts to improve air quality. Urban planning and reduced industrial emissions have played a role in managing pollution, although challenges remain. Air quality is generally satisfactory, with improvements seen across the board, setting a positive outlook for the city’s environmental management.

Goa

#47 in Pollution (#192 worldwide)

Goa's air quality in 2024 is perceived to be high, thanks to minimal levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). This demonstrates the state's effectiveness in maintaining clean air conditions. These positive air quality indicators provide a foundation for healthy living conditions, albeit with ongoing vigilance to maintain these standards.

Shimla

#48 in Pollution (#197 worldwide)

Shimla's air quality continues to be an area for improvement, with moderate pollution levels due to particulate matter from regional activities. The city's unique geography presents challenges but also opportunities for air quality enhancements. Residents are moderately concerned about the air quality, especially considering seasonal variations and their impact on health.

Bhubaneswar

#49 in Pollution (#203 worldwide)