NEW DELHI, March 6, 2026 — Ghaziabad has been identified as the most-polluted city in India for the winter season of 2025-26, according to a comprehensive air-quality analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). The report, based on data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), places Noida and Delhi in the second and third positions, respectively, highlighting a severe pollution crisis across the National Capital Region (NCR).
Winter 2025-26: The Pollution Leaderboard
The article states that between October 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026, Ghaziabad recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 172 µg/m³. This was followed closely by Noida at 166 µg/m³ and Delhi at 163 µg/m³. The analysis reveals that at least 204 out of 238 Indian cities monitored exceeded India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), a significant increase from 173 cities the previous year.
| Rank | City | Average PM2.5 Concentration |
| 1 | Ghaziabad | 172 µg/m³ |
| 2 | Noida | 166 µg/m³ |
| 3 | Delhi | 163 µg/m³ |
| 4 | Greater Noida | Ranked 4th |
| 10 | Baghpat | Ranked 10th |
Delhi’s Air Quality Breakdown
During the winter period, Delhi AQI levels remained largely unfavorable. The city experienced only one “good” air day over the five-month span. According to the report from the source URL, the breakdown of Delhi’s air quality days is as follows:
- Severe: 18 days
- Very Poor: 87 days
- Poor: 24 days
- Moderate: 15 days
- Satisfactory: 6 days
- Good: 1 day
The top 10 most-polluted list was dominated by cities in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, including Bahadurgarh, Dharuhera, Gurgaon, Bhiwadi, and Charkhi Dadri.
State-Level Crisis and Compliance Gaps
The report emphasizes that widespread non-compliance with national standards continues across India. In the National Capital Region (NCR), none of the 28 monitored cities with sufficient data complied with the national PM2.5 standards. Haryana recorded the highest number of non-compliant cities, with 24 areas breaching the NAAQS across all monitored locations.
Conversely, Chamarajanagar in Karnataka was named the cleanest city in India, recording a PM2.5 average of just 19 µg/m³. The cleanest list featured eight cities from Karnataka, showcasing a stark regional divide in air quality.
Call for Stricter Controls
As per the details provided by Manoj Kumar, India Analyst at CREA, while the CAQM has set reduction targets for the NCR, there is an urgent need for nationwide targets. The report suggests a stronger focus on controlling gaseous pollutants like sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which contribute to secondary particulate matter and ozone formation.
Of the 96 cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) with adequate data, 84 failed to meet India’s national standards, and all 96 exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Which was the most polluted city in India during the winter of 2025-26?
Ghaziabad was the most polluted city in India, followed by Noida and Delhi, according to the CREA analysis.
How many ‘good’ air quality days did Delhi have last winter?
Delhi recorded only one ‘good’ air day between October 2025 and February 2026.
Which city was ranked the cleanest in India?
Chamarajanagar in Karnataka was the cleanest city, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 19 µg/m³.
What were the average PM2.5 levels for the top three cities?
Ghaziabad recorded 172 µg/m³, Noida recorded 166 µg/m³, and Delhi recorded 163 µg/m³.
I’am Siddharth a Air pollution analysts are environmental expert who collect, analyze, and interpret air quality data to identify pollutant sources & develop solutions for reducing atmospheric contamination.