A new report shows India’s worst AQI is in a small town on the Assam Meghalaya border as hundreds of cities breathe unsafe air
When people discuss air pollution in India, cities like Delhi or Ghaziabad usually dominate the conversation. However, a new report presents a far more alarming and unexpected reality.
According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), the most polluted city in India is Byrnihat, a small industrial town located on the Assam–Meghalaya border. The report shows that Byrnihat recorded the highest annual average levels of PM2.5 in the country, surpassing even Delhi and other major metropolitan areas. More importantly, this is not a temporary spike. Pollution levels in Byrnihat remain dangerously high throughout the year, posing a serious and ongoing health risk to residents.
Air Pollution Is No Longer Limited to Big Cities
The report makes it clear that air pollution has become a nationwide problem. It affects towns and cities across regions, not just urban centres.
Across India, 190 cities exceed the safe annual limit for PM10, while 103 cities cross the annual safety standard for PM2.5.
To reach these findings, researchers analysed air quality data from 4,041 statutory towns. They used a combination of ground-based monitoring stations and satellite data. As a result, the study found that nearly 44% of these towns fail to meet air quality standards year after year.
Nearly 1,800 Cities Face Long-Term Pollution
The data also highlights a worrying long-term trend. Between 2019 and 2024, as many as 1,787 cities crossed the national PM2.5 limit every single year. This clearly shows that air pollution in India is persistent and structural, not seasonal.
Several states report a high number of polluted cities. Uttar Pradesh leads the list with around 416 cities. Rajasthan follows with about 158 cities, while Gujarat has around 152. Madhya Pradesh accounts for approximately 143 cities. Punjab and Bihar report about 136 cities each, and West Bengal has around 124 cities affected.
Together, these figures confirm that air pollution impacts cities across the country, far beyond the National Capital Region.
Why Byrnihat Suffers From Extreme Pollution
Experts point to unchecked industrial activity as the main reason behind Byrnihat’s severe air quality crisis.
Despite covering only 49.5 square kilometres, the town houses numerous iron and steel plants, cement factories, distilleries, and beverage units. Pollution control norms remain weakly enforced, and monitoring systems are inadequate. As a result, harmful emissions continue without effective regulation, making the air extremely unsafe to breathe.
Delhi Still Tops PM10 Pollution Levels
Although Byrnihat ranks highest for PM2.5 pollution, Delhi continues to record the highest annual PM10 levels in the country. The capital also remains among the worst performers for PM2.5.
At the same time, neighbouring NCR cities such as Ghaziabad, Noida, Greater Noida, and Gurugram regularly cross pollution limits. This shows that urban and industrial regions continue to struggle with severe air quality challenges.
National Clean Air Programme Covers Only a Few Cities
The report also raises concerns about the government’s response to air pollution.
Currently, the National Clean Air Programme covers only about 4% of chronically polluted cities. In addition, the programme faces several limitations. These include a shortage of air monitoring stations, an excessive focus on road dust, and insufficient action against pollution from industries, transport systems, and power plants.
Experts stress that air pollution in India is a long-term issue that requires sustained and comprehensive action across sectors.
Dangerous Health Risks From Polluted Air
High levels of PM2.5 and PM10 pose serious health risks. These fine particles penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. As a result, they increase the risk of asthma, heart disease, respiratory disorders, and premature death.
Moreover, long-term exposure significantly reduces life expectancy. The report warns that without strong intervention, millions of Indians will continue to face severe health consequences from polluted air.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Byrnihat, a small town on the Assam–Meghalaya border, recorded the highest annual average PM2.5 levels in India.
Yes, the report shows that Byrnihat’s PM2.5 pollution is worse than Delhi’s, although Delhi still tops PM10 levels.
Nearly 44% of the 4,041 statutory towns analysed fail to meet air quality standards year after year.
Unregulated industrial activity, weak enforcement of pollution norms, and poor monitoring systems are the main causes.
Long-term exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 increases the risk of asthma, heart disease, respiratory illnesses, premature death, and reduced life expectancy.
