Delhi becomes world's most polluted city
Delhi has become the world's most polluted city on November 13, 2026, with an AQI of 334, classified as hazardous. Indian authorities reported an even...
The Cliff News | 13 November 2026
Delhi has overtaken Lahore, Pakistan, to become the world's most polluted city on Friday, November 13, 2026. Air quality in the Indian capital reached hazardous levels, with thick smog severely reducing visibility across the sprawling metropolis of 20 million people.
According to data from the Swiss group IQAir, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) registered a concerning 334, classifying it as "hazardous." This places the city as the most polluted major urban center globally, based on the concentration of toxins in the air.
Hazardous Air Quality Levels
The AQI reading of 334 indicates severe health risks. For comparison, an AQI reading up to 50 is considered good, posing little to no health risk. The smog has been so dense that it obscured street lights and made vehicles emerge from the haze on the city's main roads, as captured in videos from news agency ANI.
Adding to the concern, India's own Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an even higher AQI of 403, categorizing the situation as "severe." The discrepancy between the Swiss and Indian readings is attributed to the different AQI scales and methodologies employed for calculation and classification of air pollution.
Seasonal Pollution Challenges
Pollution in northern India and neighboring Pakistan is a recurring seasonal issue. The onset of winter brings cold, heavy air that traps pollutants. These pollutants include vehicle emissions, construction dust, and smoke generated from agricultural burning practices.
The severity of the air pollution highlights ongoing challenges in managing environmental quality in densely populated urban areas. While not explicitly stated in the source, the depth of the smog suggests significant accumulation of particulate matter and other harmful substances.
Impact on Public Health and Daily Life
The "hazardous" air quality poses significant health risks to the residents of Delhi. Previously, such pollution spikes have been linked to impacts on lung function and respiratory health, especially during periods like Diwali, when firecracker emissions can exacerbate the problem. However, the source notes that during peak pollution on Deepavali, data was missing from several government monitoring stations, hindering a complete assessment.
The visibility reduction impacts daily life, affecting transportation and general outdoor activities for the city's inhabitants. The dense smog blankets the city, creating a challenging environment for its 20 million residents.