India’s PM 2.5 levels in 2024 were over ten times the WHO safe limit at 50.6 µg/m3, slightly down from 54.4 µg/m3 in 2023. The country ranked poorly globally, falling behind nations like Chad and Bangladesh. Key factors impacting air quality are industrial activity and vehicular emissions. Activists are urging for more effective government responses and better public transportation.
In 2024, India’s annual PM 2.5 concentration was measured at 50.6 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3), significantly exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit of 5 µg/m3 by over ten times. This figure, reported by Swiss air quality firm IQAir in their “World Air Quality Report 2024,” reflects a slight decrease from 54.4 µg/m3 in 2023. PM 2.5 refers to particulate matter with diameters less than 2.5 micrometers, which pose serious health risks.
Only seven countries, including Australia and Iceland, met the WHO’s guidelines, with only 17% of cities worldwide achieving similar standards. India ranked poorly in comparison to other nations like Chad (91.8 µg/m³), Bangladesh (78 µg/m³), and Pakistan (73.7 µg/m³) for PM 2.5 concentrations. Byrnihat, in India, recorded the highest levels at 128.2 µg/m³.
New Delhi’s PM 2.5 concentration reached 91.8 µg/m³, surpassing that of Chad’s capital, N’Djamena. The report highlighted that while New Delhi showed a slight reduction from 92.7 µg/m³ in 2023, the city remains critically polluted. Factors like rapid industrial growth and vehicular emissions were cited as the main contributors to the deteriorating air quality.
Frank Hammes, the CEO of IQAir, emphasized the importance of air quality data for awareness and policy-making to combat pollution, asserting that it can save lives and guide community actions. The report indicated a 7% decline in PM2.5 levels in India overall for 2024, but the challenges in urban areas persist.
According to local officials, controlling emissions is a significant challenge, with measures such as limiting industrial emissions being implemented. However, geographic and weather conditions exacerbate pollution during winter months. Activists voiced concerns over inadequate government responses to air quality issues, particularly for vulnerable populations exposed to toxic air.
The IQAir “World Air Quality Report 2024” shows that India faces severe air quality challenges, with PM 2.5 levels significantly surpassing safe limits. Despite a slight decline in overall pollutant levels, the country still ranks poorly globally. Active measures to control air pollution are needed, especially regarding industrial emissions and enhancing public transportation infrastructure to mitigate the effects.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
