According to annual pollution levels report, measured through 2010, published by the ministry of environment and forests, Delhi has regained its crown as India’s most polluted city.
According to annual pollution levels report, measured through 2010, published by the ministry of environment and forests, Delhi has regained its crown as India’s most polluted city. In contrast, several big cities, including Mumbai and Bangalore, have seen peak air pollution levels go down substantially in 2010, compared to the previous two years.
Also as per the report, air pollution levels increased in most of the major cities in north India, while going down in the south and west.
In 2010, Delhi led the country in terms of particulate matter or dust pollution, registering a 7% increase in average concentration of very fine dust particles (less than 10 microns in size or PM10) to 259 microgram per cubic metre of air.
Such minute particles accumulate in the lungs and are linked to asthma, lung cancer, cardiovascular issues, and premature death. According to the data, several cities in the country had PM10 levels higher than the recommended safe limit of 100 micrograms.
The average PM10 levels dipped from 109 micrograms in 2009 to 94 in Mumbai and from 122 to 94 in Bangalore, bringing both the down to the safe level. Ludhiana, which had a PM10 level of 254 in 2009, saw it go down to 229 in 2010.
“The dip [in pollution levels in other cities] can be attributed to
heavier than normal rains last year. Delhi too had rains, but we think that factor was counteracted by the preparations for the Commonwealth Games,” said Dr D Saha, scientist in charge of the air lab at the central pollution control board.
The trend was the same for other two major air pollutants — Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and SO2. Both showed marked declines in cities where dust levels showed a decline.
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