38 Indian Cities Suffer Severe Air Pollution
Over 30,000 Hospitalized in Delhi in Three Years
The metropolitan area of India, which is considered one of the world’s most polluted regions, has effectively turned into a “toxic gas city,” raising real concerns about the collapse of public health. Not only are most of the cities with the highest fine particulate matter pollution located in India, but tens of thousands of people are being forced to seek hospital care, while the government remains largely powerless. Amid this, some experts warn, “If current trends continue, India’s air quality will reach disaster levels.”
A student wearing a mask is crossing a bridge on a smog-filled morning in New Delhi, India. Photo by AP Yonhap News Agency
On December 3 (local time), Swiss air quality solutions company IQAir released its “World’s Most Polluted Cities 2024” report. According to the report, six out of the top ten cities worldwide with the highest PM2.5 pollution are in India. IQAir’s data shows that Byrnihat (128.2), Delhi (108.3), Morampur (102.3), Faridabad (101.2), Loni (91.7), and New Delhi (91.6) ranked among the most polluted, and a total of 38 Indian cities, including Kolkata and Mumbai, are experiencing severe deterioration in air quality.
PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) levels are considered “good” if between 0 and 50, and “moderate” if between 51 and 100-both relatively safe. Levels between 101 and 150 are “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” while 151 to 200 is considered “unhealthy,” with potential health impacts. Levels between 201 and 300 are “very unhealthy,” and people are advised to stay indoors; anything above 301 is considered “hazardous,” posing serious risks to everyone. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an annual average of 5μg/m³ or less, but this year, India’s top cities have exceeded this guideline by 18 to 25 times, reaching extremely dangerous levels.
New Delhi, India, continued to suffer from severe air pollution, ranking last among the world's capitals in air quality last year. In response, citizens took to the streets holding signs that read, "I miss breathing" and "Clean air is a human right." Photo by AP Yonhap News
The worsening air quality is already resulting in tangible harm. On December 3 (local time), the BBC, citing Indian government data, reported that more than 200,000 cases of acute respiratory illness were confirmed in the Delhi metropolitan area between 2022 and 2024. The number of cases treated at six major hospitals in Delhi was 67,054 in 2022, 69,293 in 2023, and 68,411 this year. Over the same period, more than 30,000 people were hospitalized for respiratory diseases. Given that the population of Delhi and its metropolitan area exceeds 30 million, it is assessed that the entire region is exposed to toxic air.
IQAir stated, “Without structural intervention at the government level, India’s air quality will not escape hazardous levels throughout the winter.” While temporary improvements may occur due to wind or rain, fundamental change is unlikely. Experts recommend that citizens respond to pollution by sealing windows, using recirculating ventilation, wearing KN95 or FFP2-grade masks, and operating air purifiers.
Toxic Air Especially Deadly for Children
Toxic air is especially deadly for children. The BBC reported, “Children are lining up at hospitals in Delhi, and residents are holding ongoing protests against the government.” Some citizens are participating in protests wearing not only medical masks but also gas masks.
Some citizens in New Delhi, India, are participating in protests wearing not only health masks but also gas masks. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News
Experts analyze that India’s severe air pollution is the result of a combination of artificial emission sources and meteorological conditions. In northern rural areas, large-scale crop residue burning occurs annually, with smoke drifting toward cities and forming a layer of smog. This is compounded by vehicle emissions, pollutants from industrial facilities and construction sites, and the burning of coal and biomass for heating, leading to cumulative pollution levels.
Especially in winter, temperature inversions and weak winds prevent pollutants from dispersing upward, causing them to become trapped over the city in a phenomenon known as “stagnation.” In response, the Indian government has introduced several measures, including odd-even vehicle restrictions, bans on crop burning, and artificial rain experiments. However, since the structural causes of emissions remain, the effectiveness of these measures is considered limited.
Compared to India, South Korea’s air quality is relatively better, but not to a reassuring degree. According to IQAir real-time data, as of 8:40 p.m. on December 4, Incheon’s air quality index was 66μg/m³, ranking 55th globally; Seoul was also at 66μg/m³, ranking 59th; and Busan was at 53μg/m³, ranking 81st. This means that major Korean cities are also exposed to “caution level” pollution, highlighting the ongoing need for protection of vulnerable groups and long-term air quality management policies.
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