Showing no signs of easing, the Delhi air pollution crisis continues to put the city at the top of global rankings for poor air quality. According to IQAir’s World Air Quality Report 2025, the national capital has once again been named the world’s most polluted capital city, for the eighth year in a row. Here’s all about this.
Delhi: World’s Most Polluted Capital City
As per a report released by Swiss firm IQAir, Delhi has once again emerged as the world’s most polluted capital city, marking its eighth consecutive year at the top. The city recorded an annual PM2.5 concentration of 82.2 micrograms per cubic metre. The Times of India highlighted how this is nearly 16.4 times higher than the World Health Organization’s safe limit of five micrograms per cubic metre.
Overall, Delhi ranked as the world’s fourth most polluted city in 2025. Notably, three of the top five cities were from India, with 29 Indian cities featuring in the top 50. Topping the list was Loni in Uttar Pradesh, which recorded an annual average PM2.5 level of 112.5 µg/m³. It was followed by Hotan in China at 109.6 µg/m³ and Byrnihat in Meghalaya at 101.6 µg/m³.
Overall, India ranked as the sixth most polluted country last year, with an average PM2.5 level of 48.9 µg/m³. According to Hindustan Times, the most polluted cities were–
1. Pakistan (67.3µg/m³)
2. Bangladesh (66.1µg/m³)
3. Tajikistan (57.3µg/m³)
4. Chad (53.6µg/m³)
5. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (50.2µg/m³).
Also Read: Delhi Pollution: 5 Foods To Help You Stay Healthy Amid High AQI
Most Polluted Major Cities In The World
According to IQAir’s World Air Quality Report 2025, these are the top-most polluted major cities in the world, AQI-wise.
1. Delhi, India
2. Beijing, China
3. Lahore, Pakistan
4. Chiang Mai, Thailand
5. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
6. Dhaka, Bangladesh
7. Wuhan, China
8. Kathmandu, Nepal
9. Shanghai, China
10. Yangon, Myanmar
Also Read: “Children Are Choking”: Deepika Padukone Calls Out Mumbai’s Rising AQI, Tags BMC On Instagram
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
Cover Image Courtesy: Pexels
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FAQs
Which is the most polluted city in the world?
According to IQAir’s World Air Quality Report 2025, Loni in Uttar Pradesh is the most polluted city in the world with an annual average PM2.5 level of 112.5 µg/m³.