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North & east India top winter pollution; Rajasthan-Bihar towns new hotspots

The onset of winter in India has brought with it a familiar foe: toxic air pollution, once again begun to take a toll on public health.

By Ground report 21 Mar 2024

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Only 20% fund has been utilised for air quality projects in Delhi NCR: CPCB

The onset of winter in India has brought with it a familiar foe: toxic air pollution, which has once again begun to take a toll on public health. The Center for Science and Environment, a Delhi-based think tank, has released a distressing report on the air quality this winter, revealing a trend that is cause for alarm. During the winter season from October 1 to January 31, 2024, the CSE analyzed the air quality of the country's cities.

Delhi, Chandigarh most polluted; Karnataka clean

According to the report, Delhi and Chandigarh have earned the dubious distinction of being the most polluted Union Territories/States in the country, with PM2.5 levels soaring to 188 and 100.9 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively. These figures starkly contrast with Karnataka, which stands out as a breath of fresh air, boasting a winter average PM2.5 level of just 32 micrograms per cubic meter.

publive-image — _{Regional PM2.5 levels calculated for winter (Oct 2023 - Jan 2024) based on city data with 50%+ availability.. Source: CSE analysis of CPCB’s real time air quality data}

The comprehensive report for the winter season of 2023-24 paints a grim picture, with North and East India identified as the most polluted regions. While North India has seen a worrying decline in air quality compared to the previous winter, Eastern India has shown some signs of improvement. South India continues to lead with the lowest PM2.5 levels, highlighting the regional disparities in air quality.

A closer examination at the city level has uncovered that smaller cities, particularly in Bihar and Rajasthan, are emerging as new pollution hotspots, challenging even the major metropolitan areas like Delhi. Cities such as Begusarai and Hanumangarh are now on par with the national capital in terms of pollution levels. The report also notes that industrial cities in South India and the Himalayan region are grappling with high pollution levels, while cities like Gangtok and Silchar enjoy cleaner air.

Diwali worsens air quality nationwide

The festive period around Diwali was marked by exceptionally poor air quality across the country, with daily average PM2.5 levels reaching 120 micrograms per cubic meter after the festival. In the National Capital Region (NCR), pollution peaked 10 days before Diwali, driven by factors such as stubble burning and the ban on firecrackers.

On November 3, 2023, the pollution level hit a 24-hour average of 156.7 micrograms per cubic meter in North India and a staggering 218.4 micrograms per cubic meter in NCR, surpassing the previous all-time high recorded during Diwali.

The winter season, defined as the period from October 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, saw PM2.5 levels increase by 13 percent in northeastern cities and 8 percent in northern cities. In contrast, NCR cities experienced a 14 percent increase, while eastern cities saw a significant 29 percent decline in pollution levels.

Cities in the west and south of the country witnessed a 10 percent reduction in pollution, whereas central Indian cities saw minimal change. Overall, the country observed an 8 percent reduction in winter pollution levels compared to the previous year.

The analysis states that immediate action is vital to combat India's air pollution crisis. The variable air quality across regions presents a significant challenge, with all areas affected by weather factors, regional and seasonal variations. The health risk to millions calls for joint efforts from policymakers, industries, and individuals to pursue sustainable solutions against this environmental threat.