Delhi is declared the world’s most polluted capital, and India ranks among the top 3 polluted nations.
According to a report by Switzerland-based IQAir, Delhi has emerged as the most polluted capital globally. India has secured the unenviable tag of the third most polluted country after Bangladesh and Pakistan, slipping further down from the 8th spot last year.
The study assessed air quality across several nations based on particulate matter PM 2.5 concentration. Delhi recorded an annual average of 92.7 micrograms, significantly above WHO’s recommended 12-15 micrograms threshold.
Experts attribute India’s alarming pollution surge to factors such as rapid industrialization, lax implementation of emission norms, and construction and crop residue burning.
Other north Indian towns, Begusarai and Guwahati, figured among the top two polluted cities globally. Only seven countries complied with WHO’s stringent 5 micrograms limit.
Delhi grapples with hazardous air throughout the year, worsening in winter due to stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and firecrackers during festivals, necessitating emergency measures like school closures.
While India develops at a spirited pace, loose regulatory oversight over industries and urban planning leaves citizens gasping for breath. Decisive corrective action is the need of the hour to redeem public health.
Nations worldwide must prioritize transitioning to cleaner energy solutions and greener development models to curb the lethal pollution pandemic.
