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In the wake of deteriorating air quality across several Indian cities, concerns about public health and environmental impact are on the rise. Delhi, which has long grappled with air pollution issues, recently announced the closure of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) schools for the next two days, on 3rd and 4th November 2023. While classes will continue in online mode for students, schools will remain open for teachers and staff, according to the MCD.
However, Delhi is not the only city facing air quality challenges. A recent analysis by Respirer Reports sheds light on the air quality trends in major Indian cities, indicating a worrisome increase in PM 2.5 levels.
To make informed decisions about travel and daily activities, it's essential to understand the current air quality conditions. Let's delve into the findings and explore how other major cities, including Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, are faring in this regard.
Respirer Reports' Analysis of Air Quality in October (2019-2023)
Respirer Reports, a renowned authority in environmental analysis, examined PM 2.5 concentrations in eight major Indian state capitals between 2019 and 2023. These cities have long been grappling with air pollution challenges, and the results reveal both improvements and alarming trends.
The Key Takeaways
1. Delhi: Delhi, a city notorious for its air quality issues, continued to witness a rise in PM 2.5 levels. The study shows a consistent upward trend since 2021, with the air quality deteriorating by 4.4% in the last year. In October 2023, the PM 2.5 levels were 3.7 times higher than the Central Pollution Control Board's 'safe' limit of 30 μg/m³ and 7.5 times higher than the World Health Organization's safe limit of 15 μg/m³.
2. Mumbai: Mumbai also experienced a steady increase in PM 2.5 levels, with pollution spiking by over 42% compared to October of the previous year. While there were slight improvements in air quality in 2021 and 2022, the recent data is cause for concern.
3. Hyderabad and Kolkata: Both Hyderabad and Kolkata saw an increase in PM 2.5 levels in 2023 compared to the previous year. Hyderabad's air quality showed fluctuations over the years, while Kolkata witnessed a more significant rise in 2023.
Cities Showing Improvement
On a positive note, four state capitals experienced a reduction in PM 2.5 levels between 2022 and 2023. Lucknow and Patna held onto their previous improvements, with Bengaluru and Chennai also showing reduced PM 2.5 levels.
- Lucknow: PM 2.5 levels dropped by 0.9% in the last year, maintaining progress achieved in previous years.
- Patna: After significant spikes in air pollution in 2022, Patna saw an 11.1% reduction in PM 2.5 levels in 2023.
- Bengaluru and Chennai: Both cities recorded decreases in PM 2.5 levels in the last year, indicating positive changes in their air quality.
A Closer Look at the Data (in μg/m³)
Here is a summary of PM 2.5 levels in the eight major Indian cities between 2019 and 2023:
| City | 2019 | 2020 | % Change (2019-20) | 2021 | % Change (2020-21) | 2022 | % Change (2021-22) | 2023 | % Change (2022-23) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru | 18.9 | 32.4 | 72.1% | 30.6 | -5.8% | 39.6 | 29.6% | 35.0 | -11.6% |
| Chennai | 23.5 | 33.6 | 43.2% | 24.3 | -27.8% | 39.2 | 61.6% | 29.9 | -23.7% |
| Delhi | 99.6 | 131.5 | 32.0% | 74.0 | -43.7% | 109.1 | 47.4% | 113.9 | 4.4% |
| Hyderabad | 30.5 | 48.5 | 59.0% | 47.1 | -2.9% | 33.4 | -29.1% | 39.6 | 18.6% |
| Kolkata | 45.4 | 33.3 | -26.8% | 50.5 | 51.7% | 33.7 | -33.1% | 47.3 | 40.2% |
| Lucknow | 79.3 | 123.0 | 55.2% | 57.4 | -53.4% | 60.9 | 6.2% | 60.4 | -0.9% |
| Mumbai | 27.7 | 42.7 | 54.2% | 41.4 | -3.0% | 41.0 | -0.9% | 58.3 | 42.1% |
| Patna | 83.3 | 71.6 | -14.1% | 45.3 | -36.7% | 66.9 | 47.7% | 59.5 | -11.1% |
These findings underline the importance of ongoing efforts to combat air pollution in urban areas, as the health and well-being of residents continue to be at risk.
We encourage our readers to share their thoughts, experiences, and suggestions for addressing air pollution in their respective states. Have you observed changes in air quality, and what measures do you believe could help mitigate this issue? Your insights can contribute to the collective effort to combat air pollution and create a healthier environment for all.
Which Indian state do you reside in, and what are your thoughts on addressing the air quality challenges in your region?
