India’s PM2.5 concentration exceeded ten times the WHO safe limit in 2024, with levels recorded at 50.6 µg/m3. The IQAir report highlights the country’s poor air quality in global rankings, with serious concerns raised by health experts and activists regarding pollution management and public transportation infrastructure.
The recent IQAir report presents alarming statistics regarding India’s air quality, indicating that the PM2.5 concentration for 2024 reached 50.6 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3), over ten times the World Health Organization’s (WHO) safe limit of 5 µg/m3. This figure reflects a slight reduction from 54.4 µg/m3 in 2023 yet still underscores a critical public health concern.
Within the global context, the report reveals that only seven countries—Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Estonia, Grenada, Iceland, and New Zealand—met the WHO guidelines. Notably, India ranks behind countries like Chad, Bangladesh, and Pakistan in terms of PM2.5 pollution levels, which are a substantial environmental health challenge.
The report highlighted Byrnihat as the area with the highest PM2.5 concentration, recording a staggering 128.2 µg/m3. Major Indian cities, including New Delhi and Gurugram, were noted for alarming levels of pollution, with New Delhi’s concentration surpassing that of several global cities, including N’Djamena in Chad.
Frank Hammes, CEO of IQAir, emphasized the critical need for air quality awareness, stating, “Air quality data saves lives. It creates much-needed awareness, informs policy decisions, guides public health interventions, and empowers communities…” This perspective highlights the necessity of understanding pollution levels to drive necessary policy changes.
Further contributing to India’s environmental challenges are industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and construction dust, all of which continue to severely impact air quality. Regional officials acknowledge ongoing pollution management issues, noting that geographical and weather conditions exacerbate smog during winter months.
Community activists have expressed frustration over governmental responses to air quality concerns. Gauri Sareen, from the advocacy group Making Model Gurugram, pointed out the insufficient government action, stating, “But the response has been slow and inadequate. People, especially children and the elderly, are suffering from respiratory illnesses due to prolonged exposure to toxic air.”
Greenpeace India’s Avinash Chanchal criticized the lack of effective public transportation, a major contributor to rising pollution levels, arguing that improvements must be prioritized. He remarked, “The report again shows the steps being taken under clean air action plans to control pollution remain insufficient.”
Overall, the IQAir report underlines the urgent necessity for robust measures and public policy changes to address the persistent crisis of air pollution in India, with a collective effort needed from both government and communities.
In conclusion, India’s air quality remains critically compromised, with PM2.5 levels significantly exceeding WHO guidelines. Despite a slight improvement, the situation demands immediate policy interventions and community involvement to combat air pollution effectively. Stakeholders, including government officials and advocacy groups, must prioritize comprehensive measures to protect public health and ensure a sustainable environment.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
