Three Indian cities among world's 10 most polluted
Three Indian cities including New Delhi found themselves ranked among the world's ten most polluted on Monday morning.
New Delhi, the capital, predictably claimed the top spot with an alarming air quality index (AQI) figure of 420, categorizing it as 'hazardous,' according to the Swiss group IQAir. Joining the capital in the top 10 were Kolkata in India's east, securing the fourth position with an AQI of 196, and Mumbai, the financial capital, holding the eighth spot with an AQI of 163.
An AQI level of 400-500 is hazardous for healthy individuals and poses a severe risk to those with existing health conditions. A range of 150-200 causes discomfort for individuals with asthma, lung, and heart problems, while levels of 0-50 are considered good.
The thick layer of smog in New Delhi began circulating from Sunday night, pushing its AQI to an alarming 680 shortly after midnight. This annual deterioration in air quality in India is exacerbated as winter approaches, trapping pollutants from vehicles, industrial activities, construction dust, and the burning of agricultural waste. The concerning levels underscore the need for sustained efforts to address air pollution and its adverse effects on public health.
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