Delhi Named World’s Most Polluted Capital in 2024

Why in the News ?

According to the World Air Quality Report 2024 by IQAir, Delhi recorded the second-worst PM2.5 concentration globally, exceeding WHO’s safe limit by over 20 times. India had six of the world’s ten most polluted cities, highlighting severe air quality challenges.

Delhi Named World's Most Polluted Capital in 2024

Findings from the IQAir Report:

  • The World Air Quality Report 2024 by Swiss air monitoring firm IQAir ranked Delhi as the world’s most polluted capital.
  • Delhi recorded an annual PM2.5 level of 91.8 µg/mÂł, over 20 times the WHO’s safe limit of 5 µg/mÂł.
  • The report distinguished between Delhi (2nd most polluted city) and New Delhi (most polluted capital).
  • Byrnihat, India, had the highest PM2.5 level (128.2 µg/mÂł), making it the world’s most polluted metropolitan area.
  • Six of the top 10 most polluted cities were in India, including Faridabad, Loni, and Gurugram.

Causes and Challenges of Air Pollution

  • Vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust are primary contributors.
  • Haryana Pollution Control Board cited geographical and meteorological conditions as key factors for winter smog.
  • Greenpeace India highlighted poor public transportation as a major cause of increasing pollution levels.
  • Despite multiple clean air initiatives, emission control remains a major challenge.

Global Comparison :

  • India ranked fifth globally in PM2.5 levels (50.6 µg/mÂł), behind Chad, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and DR Congo.
  • Experts urge stronger public transport, emission control measures, and stricter enforcement of air pollution policies.
  • The report emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable solutions to curb worsening air quality.