New Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai Ranked Among World’s Most Polluted Cities Today
New Delhi, the capital city of India, continues to suffer from hazardous air quality as it remains in the “severe category” of pollution. Alongside Kolkata and Mumbai, it has been listed among the world’s most polluted cities today, according to data from Swiss Group IQAir.
New Delhi topped the real-time list with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 483 at 7.30 am today, followed by Lahore at 371. Kolkata and Mumbai also ranked among the five worst-hit cities by air pollution, with AQI levels of 206 and 162 respectively.
Officials attribute this severe pollution to a combination of low temperatures, lack of wind, and stubble burning in neighboring states. These factors have led to a significant increase in air pollutants.
The impact of the pollution on the residents of New Delhi, which has a population of 20 million, has been evident. Many have reported irritation in their eyes and itchy throats, with the air turning a dense gray. Some monitoring stations recorded AQI levels above 550.
An AQI range of 0-50 is considered good, while levels between 400-500 can affect healthy individuals and pose a danger to those with pre-existing health conditions.
Doctors in Delhi have expressed concern about the health consequences of such high pollution levels. Ahmed Khan, a Delhi-based doctor, shared on social media platform X, “In my last 24 hours of duty, I saw babies coughing, children experiencing distress, and rapid breathing.”
To address this crisis, a plan has been put into action in the national capital. Construction work has been halted, and people are encouraged to use public transport and work from home whenever possible.
The ongoing Cricket World Cup in India has also been affected by the pollution. Organizers have banned fireworks at matches in Mumbai and Delhi to avoid worsening the hazardous air pollution levels.
Bangladesh’s cricket team, scheduled to play against Sri Lanka in Delhi on Monday, has already canceled a training session due to the thick haze. It is unlikely that the air quality will improve in time for their match.
The situation in New Delhi and other polluted cities serves as a reminder of the urgent need for measures to combat air pollution and protect public health.
