
Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh Cities Rank Among World's Most Polluted
What Happened?
On October 26, cities in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh ranked among the world's most polluted, with Chengalpattu and Chennai recording severe air quality levels. The data indicates a significant pollution issue beyond traditional hotspots like Delhi.
Key points
- Chengalpattu ranked third globally with an AQI of 319.
- Chennai followed closely at fourth place with an AQI of 303.
- Other polluted cities include Nellore, Tirupati, Eluru, and Machilipatnam.
- Sampit in Indonesia topped the list with an AQI of 410.
- Local emissions and weather conditions contribute to high AQI levels.
- Chennai's PM2.5 levels rose significantly in 2025 compared to 2024.
Key insights
- The severe pollution levels in southern cities may prompt local governments to implement stricter regulations.
- Increased awareness of air quality issues could lead to public demand for cleaner technologies.
- The data suggests that air pollution is a widespread issue, not limited to northern India.
Why it matters
The air quality crisis in southern cities highlights the need for urgent environmental policies.
Entities
Source
India Today

