Guwahati Emerges as World’s Second Most Polluted City, Trailing Begusarai
Desk Report, March 19, 2024: Guwahati, the bustling urban center nestled in the northeastern region of India, has garnered a dubious distinction, now ranking as the world’s second most polluted city. This revelation stems from the latest findings unveiled in the 2023 World Air Quality Report by IQAir, where Guwahati’s annual average PM2.5 concentration of 105.4 has exceeded WHO guidelines by over tenfold. This alarming status places Guwahati in close pursuit of Bihar’s Begusarai, which retains its position as the most polluted city globally.
The concerning escalation in air pollution levels in Guwahati can be attributed to a multitude of factors. A surge in construction activities has led to heightened dust pollution, exacerbating the already compromised air quality. Moreover, the burgeoning number of vehicles traversing the city’s streets has contributed significantly to congestion and emissions, further deteriorating the atmospheric conditions.
The landscape of air pollution extends beyond Guwahati’s borders, encapsulating numerous Indian cities within its grasp. India’s prominence in the list of the World’s Most Polluted Cities is stark, with nine out of ten cities featuring in this ignominious ranking. Astonishingly, 42 Indian cities find their place among the top 50, reflecting grave concerns regarding the nation’s air quality. This unsettling reality positions India as the third most polluted country globally, trailing behind only Bangladesh and Pakistan.
New Delhi, the capital city of India, bears the ignoble distinction of being the world’s most polluted capital. With an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 92.7, New Delhi epitomizes the severity of the air pollution crisis gripping the nation. Its counterparts, Dhaka in Bangladesh and Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, closely follow suit in this disconcerting ranking.
The ramifications of air pollution are grave and far-reaching, transcending mere statistics to encompass dire consequences for public health. The World Health Organization estimates that one in every nine deaths worldwide can be attributed to this environmental menace, with approximately seven million premature deaths occurring annually. Exposure to PM2.5 pollution not only exacerbates a myriad of health conditions, including asthma, cancer, stroke, and lung disease, but also impairs cognitive development in children, exacerbates mental health issues, and complicates existing illnesses such as diabetes.
As the world grapples with the scourge of air pollution, the plight of cities like Guwahati serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat this pressing global challenge. With lives hanging in the balance, the imperative for proactive measures to mitigate air pollution and safeguard public health has never been more paramount.
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