While Delhi recorded a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 38 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) in September, Haryana emerged as a major air pollution hotspot, with five of India’s 10 most polluted
cities located in the state, according to a new analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
The report, published on October 6, found that Panipat in Haryana recorded the country’s highest monthly average PM2.5 concentration at 78 µg/m³, followed by Jind at 66 µg/m³. Panipat’s PM2.5 levels exceeded India’s national daily air quality standard of 60 µg/m³ on 20 of the 29 days observed during the month.
Haryana Accounts For Five Of The 10 Most Polluted Cities
The five Haryana cities in the top 10 were Panipat, Jind, Yamunanagar, Gurugram and Manesar. The remaining cities on the list were Khora in Uttar Pradesh, Mandi Gobindgarh in Punjab, Pithampur in Madhya Pradesh, Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh and Byrnihat in Assam.
The findings highlight that elevated particulate pollution was not limited to Delhi. Several cities in neighbouring states and other parts of the country also recorded high PM2.5 concentrations during September, ahead of the winter season when pollution levels often rise in northern India.
230 Of 251 Cities Exceeded WHO PM2.5 Guideline
According to CREA’s analysis of data from Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS), 230 of the 251 Indian cities with sufficient monitoring data recorded PM2.5 concentrations above the World Health Organization’s daily guideline of 15 µg/m³.
Delhi’s monthly average of 38 µg/m³ was below the national daily standard of 60 µg/m³ used as a benchmark in the report, but remained above the WHO guideline. These comparisons should be interpreted carefully because a monthly average and a daily standard or guideline refer to different averaging periods.
CREA also reported that 246 of the 251 cities with sufficient data for at least 80% of the month recorded PM2.5 concentrations below India’s daily national standard of 60 µg/m³. Only 21 cities met the WHO’s daily guideline, according to the analysis.
Air Pollution Concerns Ahead Of Winter
Air pollution commonly worsens across Delhi-NCR and other parts of northern India during winter, when weather conditions can limit the dispersion of pollutants. Emissions from vehicles, industries and other sources contribute to pollution, while crop-residue burning can add smoke to the air during the post-monsoon period.
The September findings underline the need to monitor air quality beyond the national capital, particularly in cities recording persistently elevated particulate levels. The data also point to the importance of sustained pollution-control measures before the onset of the winter season.
