English
English
English
A new analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reveals that nearly 44% of Indian cities suffer from severe air pollution due to long-term emission sources. Seven of the ten most polluted cities are in the Delhi-NCR region.
CREA Study Flags Severe Air Quality Crisis in Nearly 44% Indian Cities
New Delhi: The air pollution situation in the country is becoming increasingly serious. The latest report from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) paints a grim picture of this crisis. According to the report, 44 percent of the country's cities, or almost every second city, is grappling with severe air pollution. This problem is not due to any single seasonal or immediate cause, but rather the result of long-term, persistent emissions.
The report states that seven of the 10 most polluted cities in the country are in the Delhi-NCR region. Pollution levels in Delhi and its surrounding cities have consistently remained above national standards. Significantly, this situation has remained relatively constant for several years, indicating that the problem is not temporary but structural.
CREA studied PM2.5 levels in 4,041 cities using satellite data. The analysis revealed that at least 1,787 cities experienced PM2.5 levels exceeding national standards every year between 2019 and 2024. The year 2020 was not included in the study because industrial and transportation activity was significantly reduced during that time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
PM2.5 are extremely fine particles present in the air, measuring 2.5 micrometers or less. These particles are inhaled and reach the lungs directly, and prolonged exposure increases the risk of asthma, lung disease, heart disease, and other serious health problems.
The report also expresses concern that only 130 cities have been included under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Of the 1,787 chronically polluted cities, only 67 are part of the program. This means that only 4 percent of the most affected cities are taking concrete measures.
According to the 2025 PM2.5 assessment, Byrnihat in Assam was the most polluted city, with an annual average of 100 micrograms per cubic meter. Delhi (96) and Ghaziabad (93) followed. The top 10 also included Noida, Gurugram, Greater Noida, Bhiwadi, Hajipur, Muzaffarnagar, and Hapur.
The CREA report clearly indicates that immediate measures alone are not enough to combat air pollution. Unless a strict and comprehensive policy is adopted against persistent emitting sources, clean air will remain difficult for the country's cities.
