A satellite-based analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has indicated that Delhi registered the highest PM2.5 pollution levels in the country, with an annual average of 101 micrograms per cubic metre. Researchers noted that this figure is about two and a half times higher than India’s national limit and roughly twenty times the World Health Organization’s recommended level.
According to the assessment, Chandigarh reported the second-worst air quality, with PM2.5 levels averaging 70 micrograms per cubic metre between March 2024 and February 2025.
Haryana (63) and Tripura (62) followed closely. States such as Assam (60), Bihar (59), West Bengal (57), Punjab (56), Meghalaya (53), and Nagaland (52) also recorded annual averages above the National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 40 micrograms per cubic metre, TNIE reported.
CREA’s findings suggested that about 60% of India’s districts—447 out of 749—exceeded the annual PM2.5 limit. The pollution was found to be heavily concentrated in certain areas. Delhi and Assam each had 11 districts among the nation’s 50 most polluted, while Bihar and Haryana contributed seven districts each. Uttar Pradesh (4), Tripura (3), Rajasthan (2), and West Bengal (2) also featured prominently.
The report pointed out that in some regions, every monitored district surpassed the national standard. These included Delhi, Assam, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Jammu & Kashmir. Many other states had the vast majority of their districts above the limit—Bihar (37 of 38), West Bengal (22 of 23), Gujarat (32 of 33), Nagaland (11 of 12), Rajasthan (30 of 33), and Jharkhand (21 of 24).
CREA also mentioned that Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep could not be assessed due to inadequate monitoring data.