New Delhi: 19 March 2024
According to the new report, New Delhi holds the title for the worst-performing capital city globally in terms of air quality, with PM2.5 levels reaching 92.7 micrograms.
A new report by IQAir, a Swiss air-monitoring organization, reveals that Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India are among the world’s most polluted countries in 2023.
The latest data indicates that these nations have recorded PM2.5 concentrations roughly 15 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended levels, underscoring a pressing air quality crisis that needs immediate action.
Despite the WHO’s stringent guideline of 5 micrograms per cubic meter for PM2.5 levels, Bangladesh and Pakistan reported alarming figures of 79.9 and 73.7 micrograms respectively last year.
The increase in pollution levels not only worsens the risk of respiratory diseases but also has a significant impact on the socio-economic fabric of these countries.
In Bangladesh, air pollution is responsible for roughly 20% of premature deaths, with healthcare costs related to air quality concerns estimated to range from 4% to 5% of the nation’s GDP.
The situation in India is concerning as well, with its capital, New Delhi, reporting PM2.5 levels at a staggering 92.7 micrograms, ranking it as the worst-performing capital city worldwide in terms of air quality.
Factors like agricultural practices, industrial emissions, and dense population are contributing to the pollution problem across the region. This is worsened by geographical and climatic conditions that trap pollutants.
