India Punjab and Other Cities Dominate Global Pollution Index After Diwali

In the aftermath of Diwali celebrations, a staggering 99 out of the 100 most polluted cities worldwide are located in India. The highest concentrations of hazardous air were recorded in the region of India Punjab, specifically in the cities of Bathinda and Faridkot, which reached Air Quality Index readings of 902 and 892 respectively.

India Punjab Top Spots

New Delhi followed closely behind in the third position, registering a hazardous air quality index of 773 according to morning measurements. Meanwhile, Lahore in Pakistan was the sole city outside of India to appear in the global top 100, holding the 18th position with a hazardous AQI level of 477. At the other end of the list, Cuttack in Odisha recorded an unhealthy AQI of 283, placing it at the 100th spot.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board guidelines, air quality index values are categorized across a broad scale. Readings from 0 to 50 are considered good, while 51 to 100 remain satisfactory. Moderate conditions span 101 to 200, followed by poor air between 201 and 300, very poor levels from 301 to 400, and severe air quality reaching between 401 and 500.

Ninety-nine of the top one hundred most polluted cities globally are located in India after Diwali.

The severe pollution levels arrived alongside reports of thick smog blanketing Delhi following festival celebrations, despite the prior implementation of GRAP Stage III restrictions meant to curb air degradation.

Why it matters

Ninety-nine of the top one hundred most polluted cities globally are in India post-Diwali, with Bathinda, Faridkot, and New Delhi recording hazardous AQI levels. This widespread deterioration in air quality affects millions of residents across multiple urban centers, posing severe health risks and challenging regulatory measures intended to control seasonal pollution spikes.