In a recent report by the Swiss air quality technology company IQAir, it was revealed that 13 of the world's 20 most polluted cities are located in India. This alarming statistic highlights the severe air pollution crisis facing the country, with Delhi being named the most polluted capital city globally. Let's delve into the details of this critical issue and explore what it means for India and its people.
The Most Polluted Cities in India
The list of the most polluted cities in India includes Byrnihat in Assam, which tops the global rankings, followed by other major cities like Delhi, Mullanpur in Punjab, Faridabad, Loni, Gurugram, Ganganagar, Greater Noida, Bhiwadi, Muzaffarnagar, Hanumangarh, and Noida. These cities are plagued by high levels of fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, which poses significant health risks to their residents.
What is PM2.5?
PM2.5 refers to tiny particles in the air that are smaller than 2.5 microns. These particles can easily enter the lungs and bloodstream, leading to serious health issues such as respiratory problems, heart disease, and even cancer. The sources of PM2.5 include vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and the burning of wood or crop waste.
Delhi: The Most Polluted Capital
Delhi has consistently ranked as the most polluted capital city in the world. Despite slight variations, its PM2.5 levels remain alarmingly high, averaging 91.6 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024, which is only marginally lower than the previous year's 92.7 micrograms. This persistent pollution is a result of factors like heavy traffic, industrial activities, and seasonal agricultural burning in nearby regions.
India's Pollution Ranking
India has moved down from being the third most polluted country in 2023 to the fifth in 2024, following a 7% decline in PM2.5 concentrations. However, this improvement is overshadowed by the fact that six of the world's ten most polluted cities are still in India. The country's reliance on coal for energy and rapid urbanization contribute significantly to its pollution woes.
Health Impacts
Air pollution in India is not just an environmental issue; it has severe health implications. It is estimated that exposure to poor air quality reduces life expectancy by about 5.2 years7. Moreover, a significant portion of Indian cities report PM2.5 levels exceeding ten times the World Health Organization's recommended limit of 5 micrograms per cubic meter.
Global Context
The problem of air pollution is not unique to India; it affects many countries, particularly in Asia. All but one of the world's top 20 most polluted cities are located in Asia, with four cities in Pakistan and one in China also making the list. This highlights the need for a coordinated global response to address air pollution.
Solutions and Policies
To combat air pollution, India needs effective policies and strategies. This includes improving public transportation, promoting cleaner energy sources, and enforcing stricter regulations on industrial emissions. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can help reduce practices like burning waste and using polluting fuels.
Conclusion
India's struggle with air pollution is a complex issue that requires immediate attention. While there have been slight improvements in recent years, the presence of 13 Indian cities among the world's most polluted underscores the need for more robust action. By understanding the causes and consequences of air pollution, we can work towards creating a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
