India Becomes the 5th Most Polluted Country, Delhi is the Most Polluted Capital
🚨 Air pollution remains a severe public health crisis in India. According to the World Air Quality Report 2024 by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir, 13 of the world's 20 most polluted cities are in India.
Byrnihat in Meghalaya has been ranked as the most polluted city in the world, while Delhi continues to be the most polluted capital. The report also states that India was the 5th most polluted country in 2024, showing slight improvement from 3rd place in 2023.
Top 15 Most Polluted Cities in India
| City | PM2.5 Level (µg/m³) |
|---|---|
| Byrnihat (Meghalaya) | 128.2 |
| Delhi | 108.3 |
| Faridabad | 101.2 |
| Loni | 91.7 |
| Gurugram | 87.4 |
| Ganganagar | 86.6 |
| Greater Noida | 83.5 |
| Bhiwadi | 83.1 |
| Muzaffarnagar | 83.1 |
| Hanumangarh | 79.9 |
👉 The report highlights that 35% of Indian cities have PM2.5 levels 10 times higher than WHO’s safe limit, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases and reduced life expectancy.
What is PM2.5 and Why is it Dangerous?
PM2.5 (Particulate Matter 2.5) refers to fine airborne particles with a diameter of 2.5 microns or smaller. These particles penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing respiratory diseases, heart problems, and even cancer.
💡 Major Health Impacts of PM2.5:
✅ Respiratory Issues – Higher risk of asthma, bronchitis, and lung infections.
✅ Cardiovascular Problems – Increased risk of high blood pressure and stroke.
✅ Reduced Life Expectancy – Studies show PM2.5 exposure lowers life expectancy by 5.2 years.
✅ Air Pollution Causes 1.5 Million Deaths in India Annually (The Lancet Planetary Health Report).
Why is Byrnihat the Most Polluted City in the World?
📌 Byrnihat (Meghalaya), an industrial town, has become a "toxic gas chamber."
🚩 Home to cement, plastic, steel, iron, and alcohol factories.
🚩 Geographic location traps pollution, preventing its dispersion.
🚩 High vehicle and industrial emissions increase PM2.5 levels drastically.
Which Countries Are More Polluted Than India?
| Country | PM2.5 Level (µg/m³) |
|---|---|
| Chad | 91.8 |
| Bangladesh | 78.0 |
| Pakistan | 73.7 |
| Congo | 58.2 |
| India | 50.6 |
👉 Bangladesh and Pakistan have higher pollution levels than India, according to the 2024 World Air Quality Report.
How Can Air Pollution Be Reduced?
🛑 Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO Chief Scientist, states: "We have the data; now we need action."
Steps to Reduce Air Pollution in India:
✅ Encourage LPG over biomass for cooking.
✅ Strengthen public transport and reduce private vehicle use.
✅ Stricter carbon emission regulations for industries.
✅ Promote electric vehicles and renewable energy sources.
Future of Air Pollution in India
📉 126 out of 138 countries (91%) exceed WHO’s air quality limits.
📈 Only 17% of cities worldwide meet WHO pollution standards.
⚡ If India enforces stricter policies and adopts green energy, the air quality can improve significantly.
Conclusion: India’s Air Pollution Crisis
🔥 In 2024, 13 Indian cities were among the world’s top 20 most polluted.
🔥 Byrnihat is now the most polluted city globally, while Delhi remains the most polluted capital.
🔥 Air pollution contributes to millions of deaths each year.
🚨 India must act now to curb pollution levels and improve air quality to ensure a healthier future.
📌 What do you think about India’s rising air pollution? Share your thoughts in the comments!
External Sources:
13 Indian cities among the world's 20 most polluted! 🚨 Find out why Byrnihat is the world's most polluted city and Delhi’s toxic air crisis. Read the full report and learn how to combat air pollution! 🌍
By Team Atharva Examwise #atharvaexamwise
