While a glimmer of hope shines through a slight dip in air pollution levels, Delhi retains its dubious title of India's most polluted city, according to a report by the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
Although minimal, Delhi's annual average PM10 concentration decreased by 5.9% in 2023 compared to 2022. Despite the decrease, Delhi's air quality remains alarmingly poor, falling within the "very poor" category with an average PM10 level of 205 micrograms per cubic metre.
As per the report, 78 out of 85 NCAP-covered cities, including Delhi, surpassed the prescribed national air quality standards in 2023. While some NCAP cities like Visakhapatnam and Surat showcased significant improvements, others like Kanpur and Moradabad saw air quality worsen. Stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution continue to pose significant obstacles to achieving clean air.
The report highlights the urgency of intensifying clean air initiatives across the nation. While Delhi's slight improvement offers a potential starting point, the significant gap between current air quality and national standards demands further action. The uneven progress across cities emphasizes the need for tailored strategies and stricter enforcement of pollution control measures.
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