Delhi gets title of world's most polluted city as air quality becomes 'hazardous' to health

Delhi, India, overtook Lahore, Pakistan, to become the world's most polluted major city on Friday, with an Air Quality Index of 334 (hazardous) per IQAir and 403 (severe) per India's Central Pollution Control Board. Smog blanketed the city of 20 million, reducing visibility.

Delhi, India, overtook Lahore, Pakistan, to become the world's most polluted major city on Friday, November 13, 2026, as air quality reached hazardous levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was measured at 334 by Swiss group IQAir, classified as 'hazardous,' and at 403 by India's Central Pollution Control Board, rated 'severe.' The differing readings stem from different AQI scales and methodologies. Heavy smog obscured streets and street lights, with cars and motorcycles emerging from dense fog, as shown in videos from news agency ANI. Pollution is a seasonal problem in northern India and Pakistan, caused by cold winter air trapping vehicle emissions, construction dust, and smoke from agricultural burning. The article is a Reuters wire report.