Ghaziabad was the most-polluted city in India during the winter season in 2025-26, followed by Noida and Delhi, according to an air-quality analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
At least 204 out of 238 Indian cities with sufficient monitoring data recorded average winter PM2.5 concentrations above India's National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), up from last year's 173 cities, the CREA analysis said.
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The analysis was based on Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) from October 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026.
"Ghaziabad ranked as the most polluted city in India during winter 2025-26, recording an average PM2.5 concentration of 172 μg/m3. Noida ranked the second most polluted city, with an average concentration of 166 μg/m3. Delhi ranked third, recording an average PM2.5 concentration of 163 μg/m3.
