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Ghaziabad Chokes Under Severe Pollution Crisis, Worst in the Country
18 Nov
Summary
- Ghaziabad records "severe" Air Quality Index, the highest in the country
- Pollution levels spike with PM2.5 as the primary pollutant
- Enforcement teams cracking down on polluting industries and activities
As of November 18, 2025, the city of Ghaziabad has emerged as the most polluted city in India, recording a "severe" Air Quality Index (AQI) of 401. This was the second consecutive day of "severe" air quality for Ghaziabad, following a reading of 419 on the previous day.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed that three out of the four monitoring stations in Ghaziabad - Indirapuram, Loni, and Sanjay Nagar - recorded AQI levels ranging from 365 to 433, all within the "severe" category. PM2.5 was identified as the primary pollutant, with concentrations reaching alarming levels.
In response, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) has intensified enforcement efforts. Their teams have cracked down on ready-mix concrete plants, illegal dyeing units, and have also communicated with other agencies to increase pollution-abatement measures. The focus has also been on addressing instances of garbage burning, a significant contributor to the city's air pollution crisis.
Despite these efforts, the pollution levels in Ghaziabad remain a grave concern, with the city struggling to combat the severe air quality issues that have engulfed the region.
