Out of 50 most polluted cities in the world, 39 are in India.

Out of 50 most polluted cities in the world, 39 are in India

Swiss firm IQAir released a World Air Quality report today and named the most polluted cities in the world. In 2022, India was ranked eighth as the most polluted country, slipping 3 ranks down from 5th place from the previous year.

The data utilized to curate this report is taken from over 131 countries from about 30 thousand ground monitors, either government operated or non-government operated.

The report estimated India's economic cost of air pollution at a whopping $150 million. Transport is one of the major sectors contributing to it, causing 20-35% of the pollution. Rajasthan's Bhiwadi stands third in the ranking, while the national capital, Delhi ranks fourth. Hotan, a city in China and Pakistan's capital, Lahore, are the two most polluted cities in the world.

There are 39 Indian cities in top 50 most polluted cities, 14 cities in top 20 and 6 cities in top 10, which makes a shocking total of 65 cities in top 100.

Air pollution poses as a huge threat to the environment and the economic and social growth of India. Steady steps must be taken resolve this alarming issue.

Report by Anoushka Tanwar

Graphics by Jasmine Malik