Top 100 Most Polluted Cities in the World

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The 2025 Top 10 Most Polluted Cities in the World

1. Balloh, India – AQI Level: 1051

Topping the list this year is Balloh, an Indian city with an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 1051, a level classified as hazardous. Residents face serious health risks, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and increased mortality rates. Authorities are urged to take immediate measures to curb pollution sources like industrial emissions and vehicular exhaust.

2. Siktaur, India – AQI Level: 900

Siktaur holds the second spot with an AQI of 900. The city struggles with dense smog, primarily due to unchecked industrial activity and high vehicle density. Most outdoor activities are hazardous, leading to health advisories and urgent calls for pollution control initiatives.

3. Khairabad, India – AQI Level: 880

Khairabad’s air quality remains critically unhealthy. With an AQI approaching 880, health experts warn that prolonged exposure can lead to chronic respiratory diseases and other health impacts, especially among vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

4. Nagli Bahrampur, India – AQI Level: 663

Despite being somewhat lower than the top three, Nagli Bahrampur still faces severe pollution levels with an AQI of 663. Local authorities are under pressure to implement stricter pollution norms and promote cleaner energy sources.

5. Barnala, India – AQI Level: 661

Barnala’s AQI indicates hazardous air quality, reflecting the ongoing pollution crisis. Tackling emissions from agriculture, industry, and transportation remains a top priority for local officials.

India Dominates the List of the World’s Most Polluted Cities

According to the latest data from AQI Real-time World, approximately 88 of the top 100 most polluted cities globally are located in India. The country continues to face a severe air quality crisis driven by industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, agricultural burning, and urbanization.

However, India isn’t the only nation grappling with pollution issues—cities in China, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan also make appearances on the list.

The Most Polluted Cities from Other Countries

China has five cities in the top 100, with Baoding ranking at 91 (AQI 202). Despite improvements in recent years, industrial zones and coal-powered plants significantly contribute to air quality issues.
Nepal has three cities, including Lumbini Sanskritik at 18 (AQI 398) and Birganj at 42 (AQI 289), both primarily affected by traffic emissions and biomass burning.
Bangladesh features Dhaka twice in the top 100, with its worst AQI at 82 (AQI 214), signaling ongoing challenges with urban pollution.
Pakistan has two cities, Lahore and Shakargarh, ranked 86 and 73 with AQIs of 211 and 226 respectively, due to a mix of vehicular exhaust, industrial emissions, and seasonal smog.

Major Contributors to Global Air Pollution in 2025

Industrial Emissions: Factories powered by coal and other fossil fuels contribute significantly to hazardous AQI levels in many cities.
Vehicular Exhaust: Rapid urbanization has led to an increase in both private and commercial vehicles, intensifying traffic pollution.
Agricultural Practices: In countries like India and Nepal, crop burning exacerbates seasonal smog problems.
Construction and Urbanization: Accelerated city development often occurs without adequate pollution controls.

Health Impacts and Urgent Need for Action

Air pollution currently causes millions of premature deaths worldwide annually, with vulnerable populations—children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health issues—being the most at risk. The concentration of pollutants in these top cities highlights the urgent need for:

Stricter regulations on emissions
Promotion of clean energy solutions
Urban planning that prioritizes air quality
Public awareness campaigns on pollution mitigation

Global Efforts and Progress

While some cities in China and other nations have made strides toward cleaner air, many Indian cities remain heavily polluted. Governments globally are expected to ramp up policies, invest in green technologies, and enforce pollution standards more effectively in 2025.

Looking Ahead

Reducing hazardous AQI levels requires coordinated global efforts, sustainable development, and local community participation. As new data emerges, countries will need to adopt innovative solutions to protect public health and ensure breathable air for all.

Note: The AQI figures and city rankings are based on real-time data as of November 11, 2025. Not all cities listed are developed to the same standards, and ongoing monitoring remains crucial for effective intervention.

Source: AQI Real-time World 2025 Data