India Ranked Fifth in Global Air Pollution; Byrnihat in Meghalaya Named Most Polluted Metropolitan Area

New Delhi: India has emerged as the fifth most polluted country in the world in terms of air quality, as per the 2024 World Air Quality Report released by IQAir on Tuesday. The report highlights alarming levels of air pollution in several Indian cities, with Byrnihat, a lesser-known city in Meghalaya, being identified as the most polluted metropolitan area globally last year.

Byrnihat, a town in the northeastern state of Meghalaya, recorded an annual average PM2.5 level of 128.2 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3), which is more than 25 times the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended level and over three times the Indian ambient air quality standards. The city’s alarming pollution levels are attributed to rapid industrialisation, unregulated emissions from factories, large-scale construction activities, and deforestation, all of which contribute to deteriorating air quality.

Despite a slight improvement in its overall ranking, with India moving from being the third most polluted country in 2023 to the fifth position in 2024, the country still holds the unfortunate distinction of being home to six of the world’s top 10 most polluted cities. A staggering 13 of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are also located in India.

Delhi Leads as the World’s Most Polluted Capital

Delhi, the national capital of India, continues to bear the brunt of severe air pollution and has once again been ranked as the most polluted capital city in the world in 2024. The city’s air quality often deteriorates to hazardous levels, especially during the winter months, due to a combination of vehicular emissions, industrial activity, construction dust, stubble burning in neighboring states, and limited green spaces.

The continued rise in pollution levels has raised serious concerns about public health and the long-term impacts on residents of these affected areas. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to high levels of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) can cause respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and a range of other health problems, particularly among vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

Government Efforts to Tackle Air Pollution

The Indian government has been under increasing pressure to take immediate action to address the worsening air quality in cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, among others. While several measures have been implemented, including the Odd-Even scheme to reduce vehicle emissions and stricter regulations on industrial pollutants, the effectiveness of these measures remains a topic of debate.

Environmental experts have called for stronger enforcement of existing regulations, the introduction of more stringent emission standards for industries, and a more aggressive push towards renewable energy sources and cleaner technologies. Additionally, large-scale tree planting initiatives and a shift towards sustainable urban planning could play a pivotal role in improving the overall air quality.

Global Context:

Globally, air pollution remains a pressing issue, with many cities in developing countries grappling with similar challenges. However, countries like China and the United States have made significant strides in improving air quality by implementing strict regulations on industrial emissions and adopting cleaner technologies. The WHO continues to emphasize the need for urgent action to reduce air pollution, as the health risks associated with poor air quality remain a leading cause of premature deaths worldwide.

As India struggles to combat its air pollution crisis, the report underscores the need for continued efforts from both government and citizens to tackle the issue on all fronts. Only through collective action can India hope to improve its air quality and protect the health of its people for future generations.