Mar 11, 2025 12:51 PM IST
Delhi remains the most polluted capital city globally, while India ranked fifth in 2024, down from third in 2023.
A new report on air quality released on Tuesday has painted a grim picture for India as 13 of the world’s top 20 most-polluted cities are within the country’s borders.
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According to the report, the country saw a 7 per cent decline in PM2.5 concentrations in 2024, averaging 50.6 micrograms per cubic metre, compared to 54.4 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023. With all those improvements, six of the world’s 10 most polluted cities are still in India.
Delhi recorded consistently high pollution levels, with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 91.6 micrograms per cubic metre, nearly unchanged from 92.7 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023.
Air pollution risks in India
According to another study published last year, about 1.5 million deaths in India every year from 2009 to 2019 were potentially linked to long-term exposure to PM2.5 pollution. The stats were given by the Lancet Planetary Health study
PM2.5 refers to tiny air pollution particles smaller than 2.5 microns, which can enter the lungs and bloodstream, leading to breathing problems, heart disease and even cancer. Sources include vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions and the burning of wood or crop waste.
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,” she told PTI in an interview.
Swaminathan batted for expanding public transport and imposing fines on certain cars in cities. According to her, a mix of incentives and penalties is necessary.
“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,” the former director general of the Indian Council of Medical Research added.