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Kolkata More Polluted Than Delhi, Mumbai? Indian Cities Feature In Global Pollution Top 10 List Today
Written by Vishesh Nagar | Updated: October 23, 2026 20:32 IST
Kolkata ranks third globally for pollution, with Delhi fifth and Mumbai seventh in IQAir's live list.
Kolkata has emerged as India's most polluted city in IQAir's live global air quality ranking, occupying the third position worldwide with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 177.
Delhi ranks fifth with an AQI of 168, while Mumbai stands seventh with a reading of 165, according to the figures provided from IQAir's World Air Quality Ranking.
ALSO READ | Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai Among World's Most Polluted Cities Today
Dakar in Senegal tops the global list with an AQI of 194, followed by Lahore in Pakistan in the second position with an AQI of 184.
The ranking places three Indian major cities among the world's most polluted major urban centres.
IQAir's live ranking compares hourly AQI readings across more than 100 major cities globally, with positions and pollution levels subject to change as fresh data comes in.
Top 10 Most Polluted Cities In The World
Dakar, Senegal — AQI 194
Lahore, Pakistan — AQI 184
Kolkata, India — AQI 177
Singapore, Singapore — 173
Delhi, India — AQI 168
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — AQI 166
Mumbai, India — AQI 165
Medan, Indonesia — AQI 158
Dhaka, Bangladesh — AQI 158
Beijing, China — AQI 158
*Source: IQAir World Air Quality Ranking
What Lies Ahead For India's Air Quality?
With Diwali and the festive season approaching and winter around the corner, air pollution is expected to remain a concern in India. Pollution levels can worsen during the colder months, as weather conditions, including temperature inversions and low wind speeds, can trap pollutants closer to the ground.
Firecracker emissions during Diwali, along with vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, construction dust and crop-residue burning in parts of northern India, can further contribute to deteriorating air quality.
ALSO READ | Delhi's Winter Pollution Plan: Non-BS6 Vehicles Face Entry Ban From November 1
However, the extent of any increase in AQI will depend on local emission levels and weather conditions.
IQAir's live rankings are updated hourly, meaning city positions and readings can change throughout the day.
Published: October 23, 2026 19:33 IST
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