World Air Quality Report 2025: India’s PM2.5 Trends, Global Ranking & Pollution Management
Context:
According to the recently published World Air Quality Report 2025, India is the sixth most polluted country in the world, even though its PM2.5 levels have declined to a three-year low. This reflects a mixed trend where, on one hand, air quality indicators are improving, while on the other hand, pollution levels still remain significantly high.
About the Report:
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- This report is released annually by IQAir, a Switzerland-based air purification technology company.
- It provides a comprehensive global assessment of air quality based on PM2.5 particulate matter.
- The 2025 edition includes more countries, particularly those where pollution had previously not been monitored.
- Its coverage has expanded from 134 countries (7,812 cities) in 2023 to 143 countries (9,446 cities) in 2025, making it one of the most extensive global datasets on air pollution.
- This report is released annually by IQAir, a Switzerland-based air purification technology company.
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Key Findings:
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- India’s Air Quality Trends:
- India’s population-weighted average PM2.5 level in 2025 stood at 48.9 µg/m³. This represents a 3% decline from 2024 (50.6 µg/m³) and a 10% decline from 2023 (54.4 µg/m³). However, despite this improvement, the levels remain significantly above safe limits.
- India’s population-weighted average PM2.5 level in 2025 stood at 48.9 µg/m³. This represents a 3% decline from 2024 (50.6 µg/m³) and a 10% decline from 2023 (54.4 µg/m³). However, despite this improvement, the levels remain significantly above safe limits.
- Global Ranking Position:
- In 2025, India ranks sixth, while the top three most polluted countries are Pakistan (67.3 µg/m³), Bangladesh (66.1 µg/m³), and Tajikistan (57.3 µg/m³).
- India’s ranking was third in 2023, fifth in 2024, and sixth in 2025.
- In 2025, India ranks sixth, while the top three most polluted countries are Pakistan (67.3 µg/m³), Bangladesh (66.1 µg/m³), and Tajikistan (57.3 µg/m³).
- Urban Pollution Scenario:
- New Delhi recorded a PM2.5 level of 82.2 µg/m³ in 2025, which is the lowest in three years and 8% lower than in 2024. However, it remains the most polluted capital city in the world.
- Loni (Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh) was the most polluted city in India in 2025.
- Previous trends:
- 2023: Begusarai (Bihar) was the most polluted city in the world
- 2024: Byrnihat (Assam–Meghalaya border) topped the list
- 2023: Begusarai (Bihar) was the most polluted city in the world
- New Delhi recorded a PM2.5 level of 82.2 µg/m³ in 2025, which is the lowest in three years and 8% lower than in 2024. However, it remains the most polluted capital city in the world.
- India’s Share in Global Pollution:
- In 2024, 74 out of the world’s 100 most polluted cities were in India, showing an improvement from 83 in 2023.
- According to the 2025 report, 17 out of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are located in the Central and South Asia region, with the majority in India and Pakistan.
- In 2024, 74 out of the world’s 100 most polluted cities were in India, showing an improvement from 83 in 2023.
- India’s Air Quality Trends:
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India’s Air Pollution Management System:
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- Policy and Monitoring Challenges:
- According to the report, India’s primary focus has been on PM10, whereas PM2.5 is more harmful.
- Weak enforcement of emission norms for vehicles and industries continues to impact air quality.
- Relaxation in sulfur emission standards for coal-based power plants may also contribute to increased pollution.
- According to the report, India’s primary focus has been on PM10, whereas PM2.5 is more harmful.
- Evaluation of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):
- Under the National Clean Air Programme:
- 64% of funds have been allocated to road dust control (such as water sprinkling and sweeping)
- 15% to biomass burning
- 13% to vehicular emissions
- Only 1% to industrial pollution
- 64% of funds have been allocated to road dust control (such as water sprinkling and sweeping)
- This indicates a disproportionate emphasis on dust control, while major pollution sources receive relatively less priority.
- Under the National Clean Air Programme:
- Policy and Monitoring Challenges:
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Conclusion:
The World Air Quality Report 2025 presents a balanced picture of India’s air quality. While there are signs of improvement in PM2.5 levels, structural challenges such as weak enforcement, skewed policy priorities, and urban pollution still persist. India needs to strengthen its regulatory framework, prioritize major pollution sources, and align its policies with global standards to achieve long-term improvement.
