Ghaziabad Tops India's Most Polluted Cities List for November

Ghaziabad recorded the highest air pollution in India for November, with PM2.5 levels above national standards every day. Analyze data indicated that this trend was mirrored by nine other nearby cities, despite declining stubble-burning impacts. Experts suggest that continuous sources like transport and industry are major contributors.

Ghaziabad emerged as the most polluted city in India last November, reporting an alarmingly high PM2.5 concentration of 224 micrograms per cubic meter, consistently exceeding national air quality standards.

The think tank Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air found that Noida, Bahadurgarh, Delhi, and several other cities joined Ghaziabad in the top ten list of India's most polluted cities. Despite a decrease in stubble burning's impact on air quality, 20 of 29 NCR cities experienced worsening pollution compared to the previous year, pointing to enduring sources like transport and industry as major contributors.

Across various states, cities continued to breach air quality standards, with Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh being notably affected. Conversely, Shillong was the cleanest city, with extremely low PM2.5 levels, joined by cities in Karnataka and other states in leading the clean air front.

(With inputs from agencies.)