Delhi, the capital city of India, has been named the most polluted capital city in the world in 2023. This unsettling revelation comes from a Swiss-based air-quality monitoring group called IQAir. The report also ranked India as the third-most polluted country globally, following Bangladesh and Pakistan.
The findings indicate that air pollution levels in India have worsened since 2022 when the country ranked eighth in terms of pollution. This is a distressing trend that requires immediate attention. Air pollution has become a severe problem in several Indian cities, and Delhi is at the forefront of this crisis.
Experts attribute the rising pollution levels to rapid industrialization coupled with the weak enforcement of environmental laws. This means that factories often fail to comply with pollution-control measures, contributing to the deterioration of air quality. Additionally, the rapid pace of construction in India has further exacerbated pollution levels.
According to the IQAir report, India’s average level of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter that can pose health risks) was 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter. To put this in perspective, air with 12 to 15 micrograms per cubic meter of PM2.5 is considered safe to breathe, while anything above 35 micrograms per cubic meter is considered unhealthy.
Delhi’s air quality is even worse than the national average, with PM2.5 levels reaching 92.7 micrograms per cubic meter. The city struggles with severe air pollution all year round, but the situation worsens during winter. Various factors contribute to this, including the burning of crop residues by nearby farmers, industrial and vehicular emissions, low wind speeds, and the bursting of firecrackers during festivals.
Notably, other Indian cities also face alarming pollution levels. Beguserai, a city in northern India, and Guwahati, located in the northeast, were ranked as the two most polluted cities globally. This paints a bleak picture of the overall air quality in the country.
The report highlights another concerning fact – only seven countries worldwide meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual PM2.5 guideline of an average of 5 micrograms per cubic meter or less. Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, and Finland are among the fortunate few to achieve this standard.
To address this crisis, India must prioritize comprehensive environmental regulations and stricter enforcement mechanisms. It is crucial to enforce pollution-control measures in industries and ensure sustainable urban planning. Additionally, promoting the use of renewable energy sources, improving public transportation, and implementing measures to reduce vehicular emissions will be key steps towards combating air pollution effectively.
The implications of severe air pollution extend beyond human health. Poor air quality can have detrimental effects on the environment, agriculture, and the overall quality of life. It also poses a significant challenge to India’s economic growth, as potential investors may be deterred by the country’s pollution crisis.
It is essential for the government, industries, and citizens to work in tandem to address this pressing issue. By adopting sustainable practices, embracing green technologies, and raising awareness regarding the importance of clean air, India can pave the way for a cleaner and healthier future.
As India strives towards combating air pollution, global cooperation and exchange of best practices will prove invaluable. Initiatives to reduce pollution, such as the International Solar Alliance and collaborative efforts in research and innovation, should be encouraged. The world must recognize that addressing air pollution is a shared responsibility that demands immediate action.
In conclusion, India’s ranking as the most polluted capital city in the world and the third-most polluted country in 2023 underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat air pollution. While the situation is dire, sustained efforts and strategic interventions can pave the way for a greener and healthier future. It is crucial for all stakeholders to come together and prioritize sustainable development, stringent regulations, and cleaner technologies to breathe life back into India’s air.
