​Photos: 5 NCR cities on India’s 10 most polluted list

A study by Climate Trends and Respirer Living Sciences revealed that 5 NCR cities ranked among India's 10 most polluted list. Over the past year, Delhi logged an average PM2.5 concentration of 100.1 micrograms per cubic meter, exceeding the WHO's safe limit by 20 times.

Although there has been a marginal improvement in air quality in 2023, Delhi still grappled with severe pollution marked by elevated levels of PM2.5, according to Climate Trends and Respirer Living Sciences.

After Delhi, Patna and Muzaffarpur, both in Bihar, recorded PM2.5 levels at 99.7 micrograms per cubic meter.

The purest air quality was observed in Aizawl in Mizoram, with a PM2.5 level measuring only 11.1 micrograms per cubic meter.

Evaluating the air quality in the six major state capitals during the peak pollution month, the study also found that Mumbai’s air worsened steadily while Delhi’s and Lucknow’s improved.

To curb the air pollution, a revised version of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) came into force in Delhi and 24 nearby districts from October 1.

In the National Capital Region, several locations frequently rank at the top of air pollution lists, both in India and on a global scale.

The study found that factors like cooler temperatures, low or no rainfall, stubble burning and bursting of firecrackers contribute in rising pollution levels in cities like Delhi.

During Oct to Dec 2022, there was a decline in PM2.5 levels in six of the top 10 cities, including Delhi among others. This decline signifies an improvement in air quality compared to the preceding year.

However, the absolute PM2.5 levels in these areas remain alarmingly high thus posing significant health hazards. The last three spots in the list are claimed by Assam's Nalbari, West Bengal's Asansol and Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, respectively.