India's Most Polluted City 2025: Nagli Bahrampur Tops AQI

Air pollution is a serious problem across India, affecting millions of people’s health and daily lives. Every year, certain cities face worse air quality than others, and 2025 is no different. According to recent data on the Air Quality Index (AQI), the city topping the pollution charts this year is Nagli Bahrampur in Uttar Pradesh. This city currently has the highest AQI in India, indicating extremely polluted air that is dangerous to breathe.

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The Air Quality Index, or AQI, is a way to measure how clean or dirty the air is. It considers harmful pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10, tiny particles that can get into your lungs and cause health problems. The AQI scale ranges from 0 (good air) to 500 (hazardous air). Anything above 300 is considered “severe” and very harmful to everyone, especially children, elderly people, and those with health conditions.

As of October 2025, Nagli Bahrampur has the highest AQI in India at 359, placing it firmly in the “severe” pollution category. This means the air here is filled with dangerous particles largely caused by industrial emissions, vehicle pollution, dust, and agricultural burning. Residents are at risk of breathing problems, coughing, and other health issues. Other cities in Uttar Pradesh, such as Hapur, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, and Saharanpur, also rank high on the pollution list with AQI levels above 300, indicating a severe pollution crisis in this region.

Several factors contribute to Uttar Pradesh’s air pollution problem. The heavy traffic flows release smoke and harmful gases, industries emit pollutants, and farmers burn crop residue, adding thick smoke to the air. Weather conditions during this season trap pollutants close to the ground, making the air even dirtier.

Poor air quality can cause serious health problems. Children are more vulnerable as their lungs are still developing, but everyone can suffer from breathing difficulties, asthma, and allergies when pollution levels are this high. Long-term exposure increases the risk of heart and lung diseases. The government and health experts urge residents to stay indoors on bad air days and use masks to reduce inhaling harmful particles.

Authorities and environmental groups are working on measures to reduce pollution, such as limiting industrial emissions and promoting cleaner fuels and vehicles. Farmers are being encouraged to find alternatives to burning crop waste. Public awareness campaigns teach people how to protect themselves and reduce pollution.

Nagli Bahrampur has sadly become the most polluted city in India this year, highlighting the urgent need for action against air pollution. Clean air is essential for a healthy life, and everyone must work together to improve it. Being aware of AQI and taking precautions can help people stay safe while efforts continue to clean the air we all breathe.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies