A recent study by Climate Trends, an environmental research firm, reveals that no major Indian city achieved safe air quality levels between 2015 and November 2025. The analysis, which examined Air Quality Index (AQI) data from 11 major cities, highlights the persistent air pollution crisis across the country.
The report, titled 'Air Quality Assessment of Major Indian Cities (2015–2025)', assessed annual mean AQI data for Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune, Varanasi, and Visakhapatnam. The findings paint a grim picture of urban air quality in India, with Delhi consistently ranking as the most polluted city throughout the study period.
Delhi's AQI levels peaked above 250 in 2016 and have remained around 180 in 2025, far exceeding acceptable limits. While there was a marginal improvement after 2019, the city has never approached healthy air quality thresholds. The study attributes Delhi's poor air quality to vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, crop burning, and the region's geographical constraints. As of November 27, 2025, Delhi's AQI was 377, categorized as "very poor".
Other cities like Lucknow, Varanasi, and Ahmedabad also recorded persistently high AQI values, often above 200, during the first half of the decade. Although these cities showed some improvement in the second half, their AQI values remain above healthy limits.
Southern and western cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, and Bengaluru recorded relatively moderate AQI levels compared to their northern counterparts. However, the study emphasizes that even these cities did not meet safe thresholds. Bengaluru, which posted the lowest AQI readings in the country, still recorded levels between 65 and 90, which is too high to be considered "good".
The analysis underscores the significant role of geography in prolonging pollution episodes, especially across the northern plains. According to Mahesh Palawat, Vice-President at Skymet Weather, the drop in minimum temperatures due to cold north-westerly winds makes it harder for pollutants to disperse. He also noted that weak western disturbances in 2025 failed to trigger widespread rainfall, exacerbating the pollution.
The report highlights that vehicular emissions, industrial activity, construction, regional emissions, and unfavorable winter meteorology are major drivers of pollution. The findings emphasize the urgent need for systemic changes and long-term strategies to tackle the country's air pollution crisis.
The study suggests that instead of short-term fixes, investing in systemic change is the only way to truly tackle the country's pollution crisis. Effective mitigation solutions, such as green barriers, emission control plans, and dust suppression tactics, are necessary to reduce the negative environmental effects of infrastructure development on air quality. The results of the study can help urban planners and politicians create sustainable development plans for transportation infrastructure that protect the environment and public health.
