A recent analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has identified Ghaziabad as the most polluted city in India during the winter of 2025-26. The report, released in March 2026, analyzed air quality data from October 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026. While Ghaziabad topped the list, neighboring cities Noida and Delhi followed closely at the second and third positions, indicating a severe air quality crisis across the National Capital Region.
Which cities recorded the highest pollution levels?
The data collected from continuous monitoring stations shows that cities in the NCR region suffered the most during the 151-day winter period. Ghaziabad recorded a PM2.5 average concentration of 172 µg/m³, which was the highest in the country. Noida was not far behind with 166 µg/m³, and the national capital, Delhi, recorded an average of 163 µg/m³.
| City | PM2.5 Average (µg/m³) |
|---|---|
| Ghaziabad | 172 |
| Noida | 166 |
| Delhi | 163 |
The report also highlighted that out of 29 cities monitored in the NCR, 28 failed to meet the national pollution standards. Haryana had the highest number of cities failing these safety norms, with 24 cities in the state recording excessive pollution levels.
How did Delhi and other regions perform against safety standards?
The winter season was particularly harsh for Delhi residents. Out of the 151 days analyzed, the city witnessed only one day where the air quality was classified as “Good”. The rest of the season was dominated by poor air quality, with 18 days recorded as “Severe” and 87 days falling into the “Very Poor” category.
On a national level, the situation appears widespread. The report notes that 204 out of 238 cities analyzed exceeded India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) of 40 µg/m³. This is an increase from the previous year, where 173 cities had failed to meet the mark.
- Total Cities Analyzed: 238
- Cities Failing National Standards: 204
- Cleanest City: Chamarajanagar, Karnataka (19 µg/m³)
While the north struggled with smog, cities in the south performed better. Chamarajanagar in Karnataka was declared the cleanest city in the analysis. Experts from CREA have pointed out that while strict measures are in place for Delhi-NCR, there is a strong need for similar reduction targets across the entire country to combat this growing health threat.
