World Air Quality Report 2024

World Air Quality Report 2024

Context

According to the World Air Quality Report 2024, thirteen of the world’s top 20 most polluted cities are in India, with Byrnihat on the Assam-Meghalaya border being the most polluted.

Key Findings of the report

India is the fifth most polluted country in the world, with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 50.6 μg/m3 – 10 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual PM2.5 guideline value of 5 μg/m3.

In 2023, India was the third most polluted country.

Delhi continues to be the most polluted Capital city in the world with an average PM 2.5 concentration of 91.8 μg/m3.

Out of the 138 countries and regions, 126 (91.3%) exceeded the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline value of 5 μg/m3.

Only 17% of global cities met WHO air pollution guidelines. 

PM2.5 concentrations decreased in every country in Southeast Asia, though trans-boundary haze and lingering El Niño conditions remain major factors.

most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-in-2024

Air Pollution and Its Concerns

– When harmful substances (pollutants) – particles, gases, or matter – are released into the air and reduce its quality, the air is polluted. 

– Common air pollutants include: Particulate Matter (PM), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Ozone (O3), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Lead etc.

– Concerns: 

1. Health Related: Respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, reduced lung function.

2. Environmental: Ecosystem damage, Biodiversity loss, Water pollution, climate change, crop damage.

3. Healthcare Costs: The health impacts of air pollution result in increased healthcare costs, including expenses related to the treatment of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Steps Taken by Government of India to combat Air Pollution

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Launched in 2019, NCAP is a comprehensive initiative with the goal of reducing air pollution in identified cities and regions across India.

The program focuses on improving air quality monitoring, implementing stricter emission standards, and promoting public awareness.

Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) Emission Standards: The government implemented BS-VI emission standards for vehicles nationwide in 2020. 

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): The PMUY scheme aims to provide clean cooking fuel to households by promoting the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as an alternative to traditional biomass-based cooking methods. 

FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) Scheme: The FAME scheme promotes the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce air pollution caused by vehicular emissions. 

Green Initiatives for Sustainable Habitat (GRIHA): GRIHA is an initiative to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in the construction and operation of buildings. 

Waste Management Programs including the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, aim to address solid waste issues and promote cleaner disposal methods.

Commission for Air Quality Management: The Commission has been set up for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas for better coordination, research, identification, and resolution of problems surrounding the air quality index.

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): It is a set of emergency measures that kick in to prevent further deterioration of air quality once it reaches a certain threshold in the Delhi-NCR region. 

Promotion of Public Transportation: Encouraging the use of public transportation, such as buses and metro systems, helps reduce the number of individual vehicles on the road, consequently lowering vehicular emissions. 

Source: IE