A Lingering Crisis
India has long grappled with the scourge of air pollution, with cities like Delhi often bearing the brunt of public attention due to their alarming pollution levels. However, recent years have witnessed a shifting narrative, with other cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai emerging as contenders for the dubious title of India’s most polluted.
Persistent Concerns
While there have been marginal improvements in air quality compared to previous years, India’s battle with severe air pollution persists. The latest 2022 World Air Quality Report by IQAir reaffirms India’s unfortunate standing as the eighth most polluted country globally. Despite slight progress, the average PM2.5 concentration remains alarmingly high, exceeding the World Health Organisation’s safe limit by tenfold.
Excessive Pollution Levels
A staggering 60% of Indian cities included in the report surpass WHO limits by over seven times. This dire situation places India among the topmost polluted countries globally, trailing behind nations like Chad, Iraq, and Pakistan.
Shifting Capitals
While New Delhi has long held the unenviable distinction of being the world’s most polluted capital, the 2022 report reveals a marginal shift. N’Djamena in Chad now claims the top spot, relegating New Delhi to second place by a slim margin.
Metropolitan Challenges
India’s metro cities grapple with varying air quality trends. While Delhi witnessed a modest improvement, other cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai saw either stagnation or slight deterioration in PM2.5 levels.
Dominance in Pollution Rankings
A concerning revelation from the report is that 39 Indian cities feature among the top 50 most polluted cities globally. Notable entries include Bhiwadi, Darbhanga, and Asopur, underscoring the widespread nature of India’s pollution crisis.
Regional Disparities
South Asia, including India, emerges as a pollution hotspot, with eight of the world’s ten most polluted cities located in the region. India alone accounts for 12 of the 15 most polluted cities in South Asia, highlighting the urgent need for mitigation measures.
Urgent Action Required
Addressing India’s air pollution crisis demands a comprehensive approach. The lack of reliable emission tracking poses a significant challenge, hindering efforts to identify and prioritize sectors for intervention. Establishing a robust national emission database is crucial for formulating effective reduction strategies aligned with the National Clean Air Program’s objectives.
Conclusion
India’s struggle with air pollution underscores the pressing need for concerted action at various levels. From policy interventions to public awareness campaigns, addressing this crisis demands a multifaceted approach aimed at safeguarding public health and preserving the environment for future generations.
Ben Müller
Clara Cardoso
