A recent report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air has indicated that Ghaziabad was the most polluted city in India throughout the winter of 2025-26, with an average PM 2.5 level of 172 micrograms per cubic meter. Noida and Delhi followed in the rankings, with average PM 2.5 levels of 166 and 163 micrograms per cubic meter respectively. This data highlights the severe air quality issues that cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) face during the colder months, which are exacerbated by various environmental and industrial factors.

The analysis was based on data from the Central Pollution Control Board's Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations, covering air quality from October 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026. The study examined air quality in 238 Indian cities, discovering that 204 of those cities recorded PM 2.5 levels above the national ambient air quality standards during winter, a notable increase from the previous year's count of 173 cities exceeding the limits. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for improved air quality management and policies in these urban areas.

As the data suggests an escalation in pollution levels, particularly in the densely populated and industrialized NCR, it calls for significant public health interventions. Citizens and authorities alike must grapple with the implications of such pollution, which can lead to severe health risks and deteriorating living conditions. Efforts towards pollution control, awareness campaigns, and sustainable urban planning will be crucial in addressing this escalating environmental crisis.