Air pollution remains one of the biggest environmental and health crises of our time, and the latest 2024 World Air Quality Report by IQAir paints a grim picture, especially for India. Out of the top 20 most polluted cities in the world, 13 are in India, with Byrnihat in Assam topping the list.
The World Air Quality Report 2024 is published by IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company. The index in the report is based on PM2.5 concentration levels recorded from air quality monitoring stations worldwide. IQAir compiles data from government agencies, independent monitoring stations, and organisations to rank cities and countries based on their air pollution levels. The report is considered one of the most comprehensive global assessments of air pollution and is widely used by researchers, policymakers, and environmental organisations.
Despite a slight improvement in the country’s overall air quality compared to 2023, many Indian cities continue to experience hazardous pollution levels, far exceeding the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) safety limits. These high levels of PM2.5 pollutants, caused by vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and crop burning, pose serious health risks, including respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and reduced life expectancy.
The report highlights the worsening air quality in Delhi, confirming its status as the world’s most polluted capital. Other Indian cities, including Faridabad, Noida, Greater Noida, and Muzaffarnagar, are also significantly affected.
Also Read: OpED: Does Delhi’s Air Pollution Take A Toll On The Mental Health Of Millennials?
Industrial emissions, stubble burning, construction dust, and vehicle exhaust fumes are the primary contributors to this pollution. The situation is particularly dire in winter when atmospheric conditions trap pollutants, turning cities into gas chambers. While some efforts have been made to curb pollution, the pace of change remains slow, and enforcement of environmental laws is weak.
India’s air pollution crisis is not just an environmental issue; it is a public health emergency that demands urgent and sustained action. The report underscores the need for stricter emission regulations, improved urban planning, and better enforcement of anti-pollution laws.
While initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aim to reduce pollution levels, their effectiveness is limited without proper implementation and accountability. Addressing this crisis requires a multi-pronged approach, including investment in renewable energy, expansion of public transport, and stricter controls on industrial emissions.
At the individual level, citizens can contribute by reducing vehicle use, adopting cleaner fuels, and demanding stronger environmental policies. However, the larger responsibility lies with governments and industries, which must take bold steps to curb pollution before the situation spirals further out of control. If immediate and sustained action is not taken, India’s cities will continue to suffer from hazardous air, affecting millions of lives and putting immense pressure on the country’s healthcare system.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: The Print, Times Of India, The Hindu
Find the blogger: Katyayani Joshi
This post is tagged under: air pollution, India pollution crisis, most polluted cities, Delhi air quality, IQAir report, environmental crisis, PM2.5 pollution, climate change, public health, air quality report, pollution control, clean air, urban pollution, health risks, pollution awareness, sustainable living, pollution effects, clean energy, air pollution India, global pollution, toxic air, save environment, environmental protection, breathe clean, eco friendly, pollution free India, climate action, air pollution solutions, green future, stop pollution
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