India’s Air Pollution Crisis: Byrnihat Tops Global List, Delhi Remains Most Polluted Capital

Air pollution remains a serious health issue in India, cutting life expectancy by about 5.2 years. Byrnihat, located on the Meghalaya-Assam border, tops the global pollution list due to nearby factory emissions like distilleries and iron and steel plants. Delhi also holds the unfortunate title of the world’s most polluted capital city.

India’s overall air quality ranking slipped to fifth in 2024 from third in 2023. Despite a 7% drop in PM2.5 levels to 50.6 micrograms per cubic meter, down from 54.4 in 2023, six of the world’s ten most polluted cities are still in India. Four cities in Pakistan and one in China also rank in the top 20.

PM2.5 refers to tiny particles that can enter the lungs and bloodstream, causing respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. Vehicle emissions, industry, and burning wood or agricultural waste are major contributors.

Delhi’s PM2.5 levels barely changed, staying high at 91.6 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024, similar to 92.7 in 2023. Thirteen Indian cities, including Byrnihat, Delhi, and others, are among the world’s most polluted.

A shocking 35% of Indian cities exceed the WHO’s PM2.5 limit by more than ten times. A study suggested that from 2009 to 2019, about 1.5 million deaths in India may be linked to prolonged PM2.5 exposure.

Experts urge action, suggesting solutions like switching from biomass to LPG for cooking, with increased subsidies for the poorest families. Strict enforcement of emission laws for industries and construction sites is also crucial.