Air Pollution in India: Key Findings from IQAir’s World Air Quality Report 2024

A recent air quality report by Swiss air tech company IQAir highlights the alarming levels of air pollution in India. Thirteen out of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are in India, with Bynirhat in Meghalaya ranking as the most polluted globally. While India’s overall PM 2.5 levels showed a slight improvement, Delhi remains the world’s most polluted capital for the sixth consecutive year. The report underscores the severe health impacts of air pollution, reducing life expectancy and contributing to millions of deaths.

Key Findings

Global and National Pollution Rankings

• India ranked 5th most polluted country in 2024 (down from 3rd in 2023).
• Bynirhat (Meghalaya) topped the list of most polluted cities worldwide.
• Delhi remains the most polluted capital city for the 6th consecutive year.

PM 2.5 Levels in India

• Average PM 2.5 levels in India
• 2023: 54.4 μg/m³
• 2024: 50.6 μg/m³ (7% decline)
• Delhi’s PM 2.5 levels increased from 102.4 μg/m³ (2023) to 108.3 μg/m³ (2024).
• 35% of Indian cities have PM 2.5 levels 10 times higher than WHO limits.

Most Polluted Indian Cities (2024)

• Northeast: Bynirhat (Meghalaya) – Highest PM 2.5 levels globally.
• Northwest (Rajasthan & UP belt): Bhiwadi, Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Mullanpur, Faridabad, Gurugram, Loni, Muzaffarnagar, Noida, Greater Noida.

Health Impact of Air Pollution in India

• Reduces life expectancy by 5.2 years on average.
• 1.5 million deaths per year (2009-2019) linked to long-term PM2.5 exposure (Lancet study).

Expert Recommendations (Soumya Swaminathan, Former WHO Chief Scientist)

• Expand LPG subsidy to reduce biomass burning.
• Improve public transport and enforce emission laws.
• Impose fines on polluting vehicles and industries.
• Ensure strict compliance of emission regulations in industries & construction sites.