Mumbai, Second most polluted city with worsening air quality

Polluted City with Worsening Air Quality

India currently grapples with a pressing issue – air pollution, which is taking a toll on the health and lives of its people. According to IQAir, a renowned air quality measuring organization, Mumbai ranks as the second most polluted city in the world, and Delhi, the capital, stands sixth. In this article, we’ll explore the alarming levels of air pollution in India, the human and economic costs it incurs, and the broader regional trends in South Asia.

Alarming Air Quality Levels

Skyrocketing Pollution in Mumbai
Mumbai’s air quality has taken a significant hit, with its Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching an alarming 160, far beyond the safe limit. The concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Mumbai’s air is a staggering 14.7 times higher than what the World Health Organization recommends. This means that breathing in Mumbai’s air can pose serious health risks.

Delhi’s Continuing Struggle
Delhi is also confronting hazardous pollution levels. Its AQI exceeds recommended guidelines by 9.8 times. This situation is deeply concerning for the residents of Delhi, as the air quality is far from safe.

Human Cost

Devastating Health Impact
A study published in The Lancet uncovered a shocking statistic – approximately 1.6 million deaths in India in 2019 were linked to air pollution. Breathing polluted air can lead to various health problems, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Economic Consequences
The economic impact of air pollution is staggering. Premature deaths due to air pollution caused losses amounting to a massive $28.8 billion. Additionally, the costs related to illnesses caused by air pollution added another $8 billion to the burden. These financial losses have significant implications for both individuals and the country as a whole.

Economic Impact Across States

Uttar Pradesh Bears the Brunt of Economic Loss
Uttar Pradesh has suffered the most significant economic loss due to air pollution, totaling a staggering $5.1 billion. Maharashtra follows with $4 billion, Gujarat with $2.9 billion, Karnataka with $2.7 billion, and Tamil Nadu with $2.5 billion. These losses have wide-reaching repercussions on these states’ economies.

Delhi’s Per-Capita Economic Loss
Despite not having the highest economic loss in absolute terms, Delhi experiences the highest per-capita economic loss. This highlights the severe air pollution crisis in the capital city, where each individual is more profoundly affected.

Regional Trends

Worsening Air Quality Over Time
In South Asia, India has witnessed a significant 54.8% increase in particulate matter between 2000 and 2021, indicating a deteriorating air quality trend. This trend is concerning and necessitates urgent attention and action.

Neighboring Countries Also Impacted
Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan have also seen substantial rises in pollution levels during this period. Air pollution transcends borders, affecting the entire region.

Conclusion: Polluted City

India’s air pollution challenge is a matter of great concern, with severe health and economic consequences. Urgent measures are needed to combat air pollution and safeguard the well-being of its citizens. India must prioritize initiatives for clean air and work towards reducing pollution levels. Regional cooperation is crucial to effectively address this issue and enhance air quality not just in India but across South Asia.

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