World Air Quality Report 2024

March 11, 2025

A recent report by IQAir revealed that India is among the world’s most polluted nations. Thirteen of the top twenty polluted cities globally are located in India. Byrnihat, Assam, is identified as the most polluted city. Despite a slight improvement in air quality, the overall situation remains dire.

Current Air Quality Statistics

According to the World Air Quality Report 2024, India ranks as the fifth most polluted country, a slight improvement from third place in 2023.
The average PM2.5 concentration in India decreased by 7% to 50.6 micrograms per cubic metre.
However, cities like Delhi continue to struggle, with a PM2.5 level of 91.6 micrograms per cubic metre. This figure is nearly unchanged from the previous year.

Major Polluted Cities in India

The report lists Byrnihat, Delhi, Mullanpur, Faridabad, Loni, New Delhi, Gurugram, Ganganagar, Greater Noida, Bhiwadi, Muzaffarnagar, Hanumangarh, and Noida among the world’s top polluted cities. These cities report PM2.5 levels exceeding WHO limits by over ten times.

Health Impacts of Air Pollution

Air pollution affects public health. Life expectancy is reduced by an estimated 5.2 years due to poor air quality. A study published in Lancet Planetary Health indicates that approximately 1.5 million deaths annually from 2009 to 2019 were linked to long-term exposure to PM2.5 pollution. PM2.5 particles, smaller than 2.5 microns, can infiltrate the lungs and bloodstream, causing severe health issues such as respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and cancer.

Sources of Air Pollution

Key sources of air pollution in India include vehicle emissions, industrial discharges, and the burning of biomass and crop waste. These pollutants contribute to the high PM2.5 levels observed in urban areas.

Proposed Solutions and Actions

Experts advocate for immediate action to address air quality issues. Recommendations include replacing biomass with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and providing higher subsidies for the poorest families. Expanding public transport and enforcing stricter emission laws are also vital. A combination of incentives and penalties for industries and vehicles is essential for effective pollution control.

Government and Community Role

The government must enhance data collection and take decisive action. Community involvement is crucial in promoting awareness and advocating for cleaner practices. Collaboration between the government, industries, and citizens can lead to improvements in air quality.

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