The air we breathe is fundamental to life, yet for many in certain cities, it has become a source of health challenges due to alarming pollution levels. This list highlights the world’s top 10 most polluted cities as of 2024, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this growing crisis.

Top 10 Most Polluted Cities

1. Bali, India

Located in Rajasthan, Bali leads the list with an AQI of 335, classified as “severely polluted.” Breathing this air is as harmful as smoking 4.4 cigarettes daily. The PM2.5 concentration stands at 144 µg/m³, far exceeding safe levels.

2. Chandannagar, India

Situated in West Bengal, Chandannagar records an AQI of 325. Its colonial heritage contrasts sharply with its modern pollution crisis, equating to smoking 4.5 cigarettes daily. PM2.5 levels are 172 µg/m³.

3. Dum Dum, India

This West Bengal city has an AQI of 321, with air quality akin to smoking 4.3 cigarettes per day. PM2.5 concentration is 137 µg/m³, reflecting its dire conditions.

4. Mahadipur, India

Located near the India-Bangladesh border, Mahadipur records an AQI of 319, with PM2.5 levels at 131 µg/m³, equating to smoking 3.9 cigarettes daily.

5. Rajmahal, India

This historic town in Jharkhand faces an AQI of 314. Breathing its air is as harmful as smoking 3.8 cigarettes daily, with PM2.5 levels at 121 µg/m³.

6. Halisahar, India

A city in West Bengal, Halisahar has an AQI of 313. Residents face risks comparable to smoking 3.8 cigarettes daily, with PM2.5 at 121 µg/m³.

7. Balurghat, India

Balurghat, another West Bengal city, shares the same AQI of 313 and PM2.5 levels as Halisahar, reflecting equally severe pollution.

8. Naihati, India

This historic municipality in West Bengal records an AQI of 313 and PM2.5 levels of 121 µg/m³, posing significant health risks.

9. Bhadreswar, India

Located in the Hooghly district, Bhadreswar matches the AQI of 313 and PM2.5 levels of 121 µg/m³, with air pollution likened to smoking 3.8 cigarettes daily.

10. Hugli, India

Rounding off the list, Hugli in West Bengal records an AQI of 312 and PM2.5 levels at 120 µg/m³, equating to smoking 3.7 cigarettes daily.

Top 5 Most Polluted Countries (2024)

• Bangladesh

• Chad

• Kuwait

• India

• Pakistan

These cities and countries underscore the urgent need for sustainable practices to combat air pollution. Collaborative global efforts are crucial for improving air quality, mitigating climate change, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3, 11, 13, and 15. The fight for cleaner air is a fight for healthier, more sustainable urban environments.

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