By: Express Web DeskNew Delhi | October 31, 2025 10:22 PM IST 2 min readResidents in zones where the AQI is high are advised to wear masks and stay indoors as much as possible. (File photo)Cities with highest air pollution: With the withdrawal of the monsoon from north and northwestern India and the winter approaching, a concern over the dropping air quality is high.For states like Punjab, Haryana, UP and Delhi, the worry is even more as these states typically record the highest AQI in India during winter.At 9:57 pm on Friday, the highest AQI was recorded in Barnala in Punjab. According to private air quality tracker aqi.in, Barnala recorded an alarming AQI of 890. The second spot was also from Punjab — Kapurthala — with an AQI of 640.Check out the list below for the top 10 cities with the most polluted air (and highest AQI).RankCityAQIStatus1.Barnala890Hazardous2.Kapurthala640Hazardous3.Balloh459Severe4.Patiala431Severe5.Shakargarh426Severe6.Faridkot425Severe7.Bathinda424Severe8.Badrukhan418Severe9.Karnal414Severe10.Amritsar410SevereAQI reading is categorised as Good (0-50), Satisfactory (51-100), Moderately Polluted (101-200), Poor (201-300), Very Poor (301-400), and Severe (401-500). Thus, higher the AQI reading, the unhealthier it gets to breathe.Health advisoryResidents in zones where the AQI is high are advised to wear masks and stay indoors as much as possible to avoid breathing in the toxic air. Health experts also advise to avoid outdoor walking, jogging, or exercising early in the morning or late evening due to the presence of pollutants in the air.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:AQI