Air pollution continues to pose a significant health threat in India, contributing to an estimated reduction in life expectancy of 5.2 years.
The 2024 World Air Quality Report, published by the Swiss air quality technology firm IQAir, has identified Byrnihat in Assam as the city with the highest pollution levels worldwide. Meanwhile, Delhi continues to hold the title of the most polluted capital city on a global scale. In terms of overall rankings, India has moved to fifth place in 2024, a decline from its previous position of third in 2023.
The significant pollution in Byrnihat, a town located on the Meghalaya-Assam border, can be attributed to emissions from nearby factories, such as distilleries and iron and steel manufacturing facilities.
The report indicates that in 2024, the country experienced a 7 percent reduction in PM2.5 levels, with an average concentration of 50.6 micrograms per cubic meter, down from 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter in 2023. Despite these advancements, it is noteworthy that six of the ten most polluted cities globally remain located in India.
Four cities in neighboring Pakistan and one in China rank among the top 20 most polluted cities in the world.
PM2.5 denotes fine particulate matter that measures less than 2.5 microns in diameter. These minuscule particles can penetrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially causing respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer. Major contributors to PM2.5 pollution include emissions from vehicles, industrial activities, and the combustion of wood or agricultural waste.
Delhi has experienced persistently elevated pollution levels, with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 91.6 micrograms per cubic meter, showing little variation from the 2023 figure of 92.7 micrograms per cubic meter.
Thirteen Indian cities rank among the top 20 most polluted cities globally, including Byrnihat in Assam, Delhi, Mullanpur in Punjab, Faridabad, Loni, New Delhi, Gurugram, Ganganagar, Greater Noida, Bhiwadi, Muzaffarnagar, Hanumangarh, and Noida.
A total of 35 percent of Indian cities have reported annual PM2.5 levels that surpass the World Health Organization’s limit of 5 micrograms per cubic meter by more than tenfold.
A separate study released last year indicated that approximately 1.5 million deaths annually in India from 2009 to 2019 may have been associated with prolonged exposure to PM2.5 pollution. These statistics were reported by the Lancet Planetary Health study.
“We have the data; now we need action. Some solutions are easy like replacing biomass with LPG. India already has a scheme for this, but we must further subsidize additional cylinders. The first cylinder is free, but the poorest families, especially women, should receive higher subsidies. This will improve their health and reduce outdoor air pollution. Finally, strict enforcement of emission laws is crucial. Industries and construction sites must comply with regulations and install equipment to cut emissions instead of taking shortcuts,” says Soumya Swaminathan, Former WHO chief scientist and health ministry advisor.