As we step into March 2024, the specter of pollution continues to haunt several cities across India, posing significant health hazards and environmental challenges. Despite concerted efforts to curb pollution levels, many urban centers grapple with deteriorating air and water quality. Let’s delve into the latest data to uncover the top 10 most polluted cities in India as of March 2024.
According to the new report of World Air Quality, Begusarai, situated in Bihar, has garnered the unenviable distinction of being labeled the most polluted metropolitan area globally, while Delhi, the capital city of India, has been identified as having the poorest air quality.
The report highlighted that a staggering 1.36 billion individuals in India are exposed to PM2.5 levels surpassing the World Health Organization’s recommended annual guideline of 5 micrograms per cubic meter. Furthermore, 1.33 billion people, accounting for 96% of the Indian population, endure PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the WHO guideline by more than sevenfold. This concerning trend is mirrored at the city level, with over 66% of Indian cities reporting annual averages exceeding 35 micrograms per cubic meter of PM2.5. The data utilized for this report was collated from a comprehensive network comprising over 30,000 regulatory air quality monitoring stations and low-cost air quality sensors operated by various entities, including governmental bodies, research institutions, universities, non-profit organizations, private companies, and citizen scientists.
Begusarai, a city in Bihar, has gained infamy as the most polluted city in India, recording an alarming average PM2.5 concentration of 118.9 micrograms per cubic meter. Remarkably, Begusarai was absent from the 2022 rankings, highlighting a significant deterioration in air quality within a short period. This revelation underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the pollution crisis in the region.
Begusarai, with the average PM2.5 concentration of 118.9 micrograms per cubic meter, holds the distinction of being the most polluted city in India 2024, followed by Guwahati, Delhi, and Mullanpur.
Here is the list of top-10 most polluted cities in India by March 2024:
| Most Polluted Cities in India By March 2024 | ||
| Rank | City | PM2.5 Concentration (µg/m³) |
| 1. | Bergusarai | 118.9 |
| 2. | Guwahati | 105.4 |
| 3. | Delhi | 102.1 |
| 4. | Mullanpur | 100.4 |
| 5. | New Delhi | 92.7 |
| 6. | Siwan | 90.6 |
| 7. | Saharsa | 89.4 |
| 8. | Goshaingaon | 89.3 |
| 9. | Kathar | 88.8 |
| 10. | Greater Noida | 88.6 |
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