Global Pollution Report: 13 out of the World’s 20 Most Polluted Cities are in India
According to the latest World Air Quality Report 2024 released by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir, India dominates the global pollution list with 13 out of the top 20 most polluted cities located within its borders.
Burnihat in Meghalaya ranks as the most polluted city in India, surpassing even Delhi and Noida. Meanwhile, Delhi continues to hold the infamous title of the world’s most polluted capital city.
List of India’s Cities in the World’s Top 20 Most Polluted Cities:
- Burnihat (Meghalaya)
- Delhi (National Capital)
- Mullanpur (Punjab)
- Faridabad (Haryana)
- Loni (Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh)
- New Delhi (Delhi)
- Gurugram (Haryana)
- Ganganagar (Rajasthan)
- Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh)
- Bhiwadi (Rajasthan)
- Muzaffarnagar (Uttar Pradesh)
- Hanumangarh (Rajasthan)
- Noida (Uttar Pradesh)
India: The Fifth Most Polluted Country in 2024
India ranks as the fifth most polluted country in the world in 2024, a drop from third place in 2023. Despite a 7% decrease in PM 2.5 concentration, from an average of 50.6 micrograms per cubic meter in 2023, the country’s pollution levels remain alarmingly high.
What is PM 2.5?
PM 2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or smaller. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, leading to respiratory issues, heart diseases, and cancer. Sources include vehicle emissions, industrial discharges, and burning of wood or crop waste.
Air Pollution: A Major Health Crisis
According to the report, 35% of Indian cities have annual PM 2.5 levels that are 10 times higher than the WHO recommended limit of 5 micrograms per cubic meter. Delhi faces severe air pollution year-round, with conditions worsening during winter due to adverse weather, vehicular emissions, stubble burning, firecrackers, and other local pollutants.