India home to world's most polluted cities, says IQAir report

39 Indian cities among the top 50 most polluted cities in the world, according to the annual report.

A new report by IQAir, a Swiss-based air quality technology company, has found that India is home to the world's most polluted cities. The report, which analyzes air quality data from over 106 countries, found that 39 Indian cities were among the top 50 most polluted cities in the world.

The report ranked cities based on their levels of PM2.5, a fine particulate matter that is considered one of the most dangerous pollutants to human health. According to the report, Delhi was the most polluted city in the world, with an average PM2.5 level of 84.1 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Other Indian cities in the top 10 included Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, and Noida.

The report also found that air quality had deteriorated in many Indian cities over the past year, despite the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns. This was attributed to a variety of factors, including industrial pollution, vehicular emissions, and the burning of crops and waste.

The Indian government has been taking steps to address air pollution, including implementing stricter emissions standards for vehicles and industrial sources, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources. However, progress has been slow, and the country continues to face a significant challenge in improving air quality.

The findings of the IQAir report serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address air pollution in India and around the world, in order to protect public health and mitigate the impact of climate change.

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