Delhi – World’s Most Polluted City

Pollution Control in Delhi: The global air quality report, conducted by the State of global air (SoGA) initiative, has announced the cities with the highest exposure to poor air quality. This SoGA publication offers insights into the levels of pollution in various cities across the globe. For the fourth consecutive year, Delhi has maintained its position as the world’s most polluted city, with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 92.6 micrograms per cubic meter. Additionally, Delhi has also stood second on the list of the world’s most polluted capital cities among 116 capital cities.

While the WHO suggested ideal annual PM2.5 levels of 5 μg/m3, Delhi recorded an average annual PM2.5 level of 92.6 μg/m3 in 2022. According to the report, Lahore, Hotan (China), and Bhiwadi (Rajasthan) ranked as the most polluted cities in the world. While Lahore recorded PM2.5 levels of 97.4 μg/m3 with the worst air quality, Hotan and Bhiwadi had PM2.5 levels of 94.3 and 92.7 μg/m3, respectively.

In November 2019, the Supreme Court of India declared that Delhi has become worse than “narak (hell)” and suggested using explosives to kill everyone. During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, water quality in the Yamuna and Ganges river basins improved due to industry closures. However, air quality has also significantly improved during this time. India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences published a research paper in October 2018 attributing almost 41% of vehicular emissions, 21.5% to dust, and 18% to industries.

Read: Air Pollution

Delhi Air Pollution: Delhi, a bustling metropolis, stands at a critical juncture in its battle against air pollution. This urban giant, attracting masses for its vibrant lifestyle and opportunities, now grapples with a health crisis fueled by deteriorating air quality. From cardiovascular diseases to respiratory disorders, the city’s air pollution contributes significantly to escalating health risks and premature mortality rates.

Delhi pollution measures: Despite the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines for healthy air, Delhi’s air quality often falls short, posing a stark contrast to global standards. With data spanning over 7,300 cities worldwide, Delhi’s air pollution scenario is not just a local issue but a global concern. Dive into this comprehensive guide to understand the depth of Delhi’s air pollution crisis and the measures being taken to combat it.