Delhi is most polluted city globally; 13 of world’s 20 most polluted cities in India: report
The recent World Air Quality Report 2024 highlights a concerning scenario for India’s air quality. Delhi continues to be recognized as the world’s most polluted capital city, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 91.8 μg/m³. However, Byrnihat on the Assam-Meghalaya border is identified as the most polluted city globally, with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 128.2 μg/m³.
Delhi’s Pollution Status: Delhi remains the most polluted capital city globally, marking the sixth consecutive year it has held this position.
India’s Pollution Ranking: India ranks fifth globally in terms of air pollution, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 50.6 μg/m³, which is significantly higher than the WHO’s recommended annual limit of 5 μg/m³.
Most Polluted Cities: Thirteen of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are located in India, including Byrnihat, Delhi, Faridabad, Loni, Gurugram, Greater Noida, Bhiwadi, Muzaffarnagar, Noida, Mullanpur, Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, and New Delhi.
Health Impacts: Air pollution in India is estimated to reduce life expectancy by approximately 5.2 years and is linked to significant health risks, including heart disease and respiratory problems.
Causes of Pollution in Delhi: Delhi’s air pollution is attributed to various factors, including high vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, construction dust, and seasonal stubble burning. These sources, combined with geographical factors and rapid urbanization, exacerbate air quality issues in the city.
