New Delhi
The most polluted cities in the world are in India. Whether it is the world’s most polyged city or capital, this is both. Yes, 13 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world are in India. Bernihat of Meghalaya is at the top of this list. Delhi still has a shameful title of the world’s most polluted capital. This shocking revelation was revealed in a new report published on Tuesday.
According to the ‘World Air Quality Report 2024’ of Swiss Air Quality Technology Company IqAir, Delhi remains the most polluted capital in the world. At the same time, India was the fifth most polluted country in the world in 2024. In 2023, India was at number three in this list.
What is in the report
The report said that in 2024, India saw a 7 percent decline in the amount of PM2.5. In 2024 it stood at 50.6 micrograms per cubic meter, while in 2023 it was 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter. Nevertheless, six of the 10 most polluted cities in the world are in India. Continuous pollution levels in Delhi were recorded high. The amount of PM2.5 annually here was 91.6 micrograms per cubic meter. Which is almost unchanged compared to a figure of 92.7 micrograms per cubic meter of 2023.
There are 13 Indian cities among the 20 most polluted cities in the world- Bernihat, Delhi, Mullanpur (Punjab), Faridabad, Loni, New Delhi, Gurugram, Ganganagar, Greater Noida, Bhiwadi, Muzaffarnagar, Hanumangarh and Noida.
Air pollution in India is serious threat
Overall, 35 percent of Indian cities recorded the annual PM2.5 level 10 times more than the WHO’s 5 micrograms per cubic meter. Air pollution in India remains a serious threat to health, which reduces the estimated life expectancy by 5.2 years. According to the Lancet Planetary Health Study published last year, every year from 2009 to 2019, about 1.5 million deaths in India were in contact with prolonged PM2.5 pollution.
What is PM 2.5
PM2.5 is a small microscopic pollution particles from 2.5 microns present in the air. These particles can enter the lungs and the bloodstream, which can cause shortness of breath, heart disease and even cancer. Its sources include smoke emanating from vehicles, industrial emissions and burning of wood or crop residues.
What suggestions did Soumya Swaminathan give
Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist and Advisor to the Ministry of Health, said that India has made progress in air quality data collection. But there is a lack of adequate action here. He said in an interview to PTI, ‘We have data, now we need to take action. Some remedies are easy to replace biomass with LPG. India already has a plan for this, but we should give subsidy on additional cylinders. The first cylinder is free, but the poorest families, especially women, should get more subsidies. This will improve their health and reduce external air pollution.
Former Chief of ICMR suggestions
He said that the expansion of public transport in cities and fines on certain cars can help. Soumya Swaminathan said that a mixed way of encouragement and fine is necessary for this. Former Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research said that it is very important to strictly follow the emission laws. Industries and construction sites should follow rules and put equipment to cut emissions instead of adopting shortcuts.
