In a recent report published by IQAir, a Swiss technology company, it was revealed that 39 of the world’s top 50 most polluted cities are in India. This is a significant concern for the country, which has been grappling with the issue of air pollution for several years now.
What is IQAir and their report?
IQAir is a Swiss air quality technology company that prepares annual world air quality reports based on data from monitoring stations operated by governments and other institutions and organisations across the world. The 2022 report is based on PM2.5 data from 7,323 cities and 131 countries.
India’s Air Pollution Crisis:
The report found that India had the eighth-most polluted air on average, with six Indian cities in the top 10 with the most polluted air globally, 14 in the top 20, 39 in the top 50 and 65 in the top 100. The worst-affected cities from India on the list are all from the northern part of the country, especially the densely-populated Indo-Gangetic Plain, stretching from Punjab in the west to West Bengal in the east.
Causes of High Pollution in Northern India:
Several factors contribute to the high pollution levels in northern India, including air pollution from industry, power plants, vehicles, open burning of waste, use of solid fuels by poor households, and dust sources. The region also has a lot of unorganized industry, which does not adhere to any environmental standards, leading to high levels of pollution.
Industrial Pollution:
Northern India has a significant amount of industry, which is a significant contributor to air pollution in the region. Many of these industries do not comply with environmental regulations, leading to the release of toxic chemicals and pollutants into the air.
Power Plants:
The power sector is another significant contributor to air pollution in northern India. Most of the electricity in the region is generated from coal-fired power plants, which release large amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants into the air.
Vehicles:
The number of vehicles in northern India has increased significantly in recent years, leading to a rise in air pollution levels. Most of these vehicles run on diesel, which is a highly polluting fuel. Additionally, the poorly maintained state of many of these vehicles means that they emit more pollutants than newer, well-maintained vehicles.
Open Burning of Waste:
Open burning of waste is a common practice in northern India, which also contributes significantly to air pollution levels in the region. This practice releases harmful pollutants into the air, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds.
Use of Solid Fuels by Poor Households:
A large number of households in northern India still rely on solid fuels such as wood and charcoal for cooking and heating. The use of these fuels releases harmful pollutants into the air, leading to high levels of indoor and outdoor air pollution.
Dust Sources:
The region also has several sources of dust, including construction activities, unpaved roads, and other sources. These dust sources contribute to high levels of particulate matter in the air, leading to respiratory problems and other health issues.
MCQs on Air Pollution Crisis in Northern India
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According to the IQAir report, which region in India is worst affected by air pollution?
A. Southern India
B. Western India
C. Northern India
D. Eastern India
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What are the main causes of air pollution in northern India?
A. Industry, power plants, and vehicles only
B. Open burning of waste and dust sources only
C. Use of solid fuels by poor households only
D. All of the above
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What is the contribution of unorganized industry to air pollution in northern India?
A. No contribution
B. Minor contribution
C. Significant contribution
D. None of the above
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Which of the following practices contribute significantly to air pollution in northern India?
A. Open burning of waste
B. Use of solid fuels by poor households
C. Dust sources
D. All of the above
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