Loni: The Epicenter of Global Pollution

Loni, a city in Ghaziabad district, faces alarming pollution levels due to unplanned growth, illegal factories, and poor drainage. RLD MLA Madan Bhaiya highlights the issues, while activists cite illegal e-waste burning as a significant contributor. The IQAir report names Loni the world's most polluted city due to its high PM2.5 levels.

Loni in Ghaziabad district has been named the world's most polluted city, according to a report by IQAir. Rampant unplanned growth, unauthorized factories, and a deteriorating drainage system are blamed for the severe pollution, said RLD MLA Madan Bhaiya, who represents the area.

Local activists point to the illegal burning of e-waste as a significant contributor to the pollution crisis. 'Large quantities of e-waste are set on fire during nighttime to extract metals, releasing toxic smoke,' said Neeraj Tyagi, a Loni-based activist.

The World Air Quality Report, 2025, further substantiates this by ranking Loni as the top polluted city globally, with PM2.5 levels exceeding 112.5 µg/m³. This statistic marks a 23% rise from the previous year, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention.

(With inputs from agencies.)