(Image source from: Why Delhi is the most polluted city in the world?})
If you thought that Beijing was the post polluted city in the world, it's time for a reality check! According to WHO, it's Delhi and not the Chinese capital city which is the most polluted city in the planet. Shocking, but true!
The 2014 version of the Ambient Air Pollution (AAP) database based on the results of outdoor air pollution monitoring in 1600 cities across 91 countries reveals that the national capital of India has the highest concentration of PM2.5 that puts its denizens at an additional risk of respiratory diseases and other health problems.
Delhi air had PM2.5 concentrations of 153 micrograms and PM10 concentrations of 286 micrograms—way beyond the permissible limits. In comparison, Beijing, which was once considered one of the most polluted cities in the world, has PM2.5 concentration of 56 micrograms and PM10 concentration of 121 micro grammes.
Confirming WHO's worst fears, Anumita Roychowdhury of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said: "According to global burden of disease estimates, air pollution is the fifth largest killer in India. Tiny particles (PM10 and PM2.5) go deep inside our lungs and trigger respiratory and cardiac problems as well as lung cancer.”
Factors like over dependency on reliance on fossil fuels such as coal fired power plants, dependence on private transport motor vehicles, inefficient use of energy in buildings, and the use of biomass for cooking and heating are to be blamed for the dirty air.
"Too many urban centres today are so enveloped in dirty air that their skylines are invisible," said Dr Flavia Bustreo, WHO Assistant Director-General for Family, Children and Women's Health. "Not surprisingly, this air is dangerous to breathe. So a growing number of cities and communities worldwide are striving to better meet the needs of their residents - in particular children and the elderly," Bustreo said.
AW: Suchorita Choudhury
