Full Breakdown
Air Quality Crisis: India’s Struggle with Pollution in 2025
3/24/2026, 10:30:05 PM
Overview of the Pollution Rankings
According to the 2025 World Air Quality Report by IQAir, Loni in Uttar Pradesh has been identified as the world's most polluted city, with an alarming average PM2.5 level of 112.5 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³). This level is approximately 22 times higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limit of 5 µg/m³. The report highlights that three Indian cities—Loni, Byrnihat, and New Delhi—rank among the top four most polluted globally. New Delhi, with a PM2.5 level of 99.6 µg/m³, continues to hold the title of the most polluted capital city for the seventh time in eight years.
Key Findings from the Report
The report indicates that air pollution worsened globally in 2025, with only 14% of cities meeting the WHO air quality guideline, a decline from 17% in 2024. Pakistan was identified as the most polluted country, with an average PM2.5 level of 67.3 µg/m³, followed by Bangladesh and Tajikistan. India, while dropping to sixth place, recorded a national average PM2.5 level of 48.9 µg/m³, a 3% decrease from the previous year.
Contributing Factors to Air Pollution
The report attributes the severe air quality issues in India to various factors, including vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and seasonal crop burning. Additionally, the impact of transboundary pollution from neighboring countries exacerbates the situation. Frank Hammes, CEO of IQAir, noted that India's extensive monitoring efforts reveal the widespread nature of air pollution, suggesting that increased data collection may contribute to the country's lower ranking in pollution levels.
Criticism of Pollution Management
Critics have pointed out that India's National Clean Air Programme has disproportionately allocated funding, with 64% directed towards road dust reduction and only 1% towards industrial pollution. This misallocation may hinder effective pollution control measures. Public protests erupted in New Delhi in November 2025, highlighting public frustration over the government's response to air quality crises, particularly during periods of extreme pollution.
Official Statements & Responses
The IQAir report emphasizes the need for regional cooperation to address air quality issues, particularly in South Asia, where countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh dominate the list of the most polluted cities. The report also underscores the importance of reliable air quality monitoring, noting that data gaps exist, particularly in Africa and West Asia.
Verbatim Quotes
- “India is a victim of its success in monitoring,” — Frank Hammes, CEO of IQAir
- “The more data you have, the less relevant it is if one or two sensors with questionable accuracy are in one place.” — Frank Hammes, CEO of IQAir
Conclusion
The 2025 World Air Quality Report serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing air pollution crisis in India and the broader South Asian region. With a significant portion of the population exposed to hazardous air quality, urgent action and effective policy implementation are necessary to mitigate the health impacts of air pollution.
