India’s PM2.5 Concentration Exceeds Safe Limits by Over Ten Times in 2024
The IQAir report indicates India’s PM2.5 concentration was 50.6 µg/m3 in 2024, over ten times the WHO safe limit. The report identifies severe air pollution issues, with only seven countries meeting PM2.5 standards. Despite a slight reduction, India’s pollution levels remain critical, driven by industrial emissions and inadequate public transport infrastructure.
According to the Swiss air quality technology firm IQAir’s “World Air Quality Report 2024,” India’s annual PM2.5 concentration reached 50.6 µg/m3 in 2024, indicating a marginal decrease from 54.4 µg/m3 in 2023. This concentration remains over ten times higher than the WHO recommended limit of 5 µg/m3, underscoring the country’s severe air pollution crisis. The report, now in its seventh year, reveals that only seven countries globally adhere to WHO guidelines for PM2.5 levels.
In a troubling comparison, India’s PM2.5 levels were outstripped by countries such as Chad (91.8 µg/m3), Bangladesh (78 µg/m3), and Pakistan (73.7 µg/m3). Byrnihat, located on the Assam-Meghalaya border, recorded the highest annual PM2.5 concentration in India at 128.2 µg/m3, while New Delhi reported a concentration of 91.8 µg/m3, surpassing Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, and Bangladesh’s Dhaka.
The report highlights that about 17% of cities worldwide met the WHO PM2.5 concentration standards. Rapid industrialization, unchecked vehicular emissions, and construction activities have been cited as significant factors contributing to poor air quality in India. Despite a 7% decline in overall PM2.5 levels from 2023, many urban areas continue to struggle with severe air pollution.
Vijay Choudhary from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board acknowledged the challenges posed by geographical and meteorological factors, particularly during winter, which exacerbate pollution. Efforts have been made to control emissions and improve waste management, yet the progress remains incremental. Advocacy for cleaner air continues from local groups and organizations.
Greenpeace India’s Avinash Chanchal emphasized that inadequate public transportation infrastructural investment exacerbates air pollution, stressing the need for robust public transit initiatives to effectively combat rising PM2.5 levels. The ongoing health implications of poor air quality, particularly for vulnerable populations, remain a pressing concern for authorities and citizens alike.
In conclusion, the 2024 IQAir report reveals that India continues to grapple with alarmingly high PM2.5 concentrations exceeding safe limits. Although there was a slight reduction from the previous year, the levels remain significantly elevated. Initiatives to address industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and public transport deficiencies are crucial in curbing air quality deterioration. Enhanced awareness and effective policy measures are imperative to protect public health and the environment.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
