Air pollution problem in India has been discussed a lot. The problem has been there and much bigger than the solutions we are doing. A recent report by WHO global air pollution database suggests that 14 out of 15 most polluted cities in the world are from India.
Now this a huge shock for us as the citizens of this country and also the government.
WHO’s database talks about more than 4000 cities in the 100 countries of the world and among the list we have 14 cities straight on the top.
Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur has topped the list with PM 2.5 annual average of 173 micrograms per cubic metre. Delhi stands on the 6th rank with 143 micrograms per cubic metre. Cities like Faridabad, Lucknow, Agra, Gurgaon, Patiala, Srinagar are also there in the list.
Reportedly, the data has come to light thanks to the improvement in India’s air pollution monitoring network in past some years. Anumita Roy Chowdhury, executive director, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has been quoted as saying by TOI-
“With improved air quality monitoring, we are beginning to understand the depth and spread of the air pollution problem in India. While Delhi is at the crossroads and is expected to bend the curve post 2016, other pollution hot spots are proliferating across the country.”
Anumita Roy Chowdhury added-
“This is a national public health crisis and the newly proposed national clean air action plan has to ensure stringent action in all cities to comply with clean air standards.”
Have a look at the table of Top 15 below
Now that should be taken serious immediately. Isn’t it?