Delhi regains title as world's most polluted capital

PTC News Desk: In a disheartening revelation, New Delhi has reclaimed its unenviable title as the world's most polluted capital city in 2023. Data from Swiss firm IQAir disclosed that the city's PM2.5 levels surpassed the international safe standard by nearly 20 times, solidifying India's position as the third most polluted country globally.

With an annual population-weighted PM2.5 concentration of 92.7µg/m3, New Delhi outstripped Dhaka to clinch the ignominious distinction. Shockingly, 42 out of the top 50 most polluted cities worldwide were Indian, underscoring the severity of the air quality crisis plaguing the nation.

Of particular concern, Begusarai in Bihar emerged as the world's most polluted city with a staggering PM2.5 level of 118.9µg/m3, closely followed by Guwahati. Additionally, the larger Delhi NCR region endured alarmingly high pollution levels, with Greater Noida and Gurugram securing prominent positions on the global pollution index.

The findings, detailed in the World Air Quality Report 2023, mirror the annual ordeal of suffocating smog that envelops the National Capital Region, extending from Diwali through the winter months. Vehicular and industrial emissions, compounded by atmospheric conditions, exacerbate the pollution crisis, exacerbating health risks for residents.

Notably, vehicular emissions contribute significantly to Delhi's pollution burden, accounting for 40% of PM2.5 emissions in the city. The pervasive smoke from crop burning in northern India and neighboring Pakistan further compounds the pollution menace, resulting in emergency-level air quality conditions.

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Despite concerted efforts by central and state governments, including the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan and the establishment of the Commission for Air Quality Management, pollution levels persist at alarming rates. The enduring threat posed by PM2.5 pollution underscores the imperative of adopting comprehensive measures to safeguard public health and mitigate environmental degradation.

As India grapples with the scourge of air pollution, urgent action is needed to address the root causes and safeguard the well-being of its citizens. The latest rankings underscore the pressing need for transformative multisectoral initiatives to combat pollution and ensure a sustainable future for all.

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(Inputs from agencies)

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