The World Air Quality Report, compiled by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir, found that in 2022, Delhi was the fourth most polluted city globally with regards to PM2.5 levels. Among 131 countries, India ranks 8th with a population-weighted average PM2.5 level of 53.3 μg/m3.
Key Findings of the World Air Quality Report
IQAir prepares its annual world air quality reports using data from global monitoring stations operated by governments, institutions, and other organizations. The 2022 report considered PM2.5 data from 7,323 cities across 131 countries. According to the report, the five most polluted countries in 2022 were Chad, Iraq, Pakistan, Bahrain, and Bangladesh. Delhi’s average PM2.5 level was slightly less than the previous year, averaging at 92.6 μg/m3 compared to 96.4 μg/m3 in 2021. Notably, the report differentiates between New Delhi and Delhi, with New Delhi reporting an annual average PM2.5 level of 89.1 μg/m3. The WHO guideline for annual PM2.5 levels is just 5 μg/m3.
About PM 2.5
PM 2.5 pertains to atmospheric particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres, or around 3% the diameter of a human hair. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Long-term exposure to PM 2.5 can lead to serious health conditions like lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other chronic illnesses.
India’s Initiatives for Controlling Air Pollution
India has taken several steps to combat air pollution. These include the establishment of the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) portal, the Air Quality Index, a push for Electric Vehicles (EVs), the formation of the Commission for Air Quality Management, and the introduction of the Turbo Happy Seeder (THS) machine.
Improving Air Quality in India
Several strategies can be implemented to improve air quality in India. Firstly, air pollution should be recognized as a human rights issue, not just an environmental challenge, and should be connected to the mission of achieving net zero emissions by 2070. Secondly, financial structures need to be established to mobilize private finance for clean-air solutions. Investing in green sectors like clean energy and e-mobility could offer tangible solutions to improving air quality. Furthermore, innovative solutions such as the bio-enzyme PUSA, developed by the Indian Agriculture Research Institute, could help tackle stubble burning, a major contributor to air pollution. Lastly, the use of ready-made concrete for construction is recommended to reduce dust pollution in rapidly expanding cities.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
In the UPSC Civil Services Examination of 2016, candidates were asked which atmospheric gases are normally considered when calculating the Air Quality Index. The options were carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and methane. The correct answer was carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide. In the main examination of 2021, the candidates were asked to describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and how they differed from its previous update in 2005. They were also asked what changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to meet these revised standards.
Last Modified: February 20, 2024