Guwahati Air pollution : Alarming Projections and Urgent Measures

Guwahati Air pollution: The Swiss air quality monitoring agency IQAir recently released a report highlighting concerning trends in air pollution levels across various cities in India. According to the report, Guwahati is projected to become the 2nd most polluted city in the world by 2023, with Begusarai in Bihar following closely behind. Additionally, India ranked as the third most polluted country globally in 2023, with Pakistan and Bangladesh trailing behind.

The report emphasized that several new cities in India are experiencing a rapid and abnormal increase in pollution levels, with Begusarai leading the pack. The city surpassed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit for average PM2.5 air pollution, signaling a critical environmental challenge. Guwahati, Delhi, Mullanpur, and Punjab were also flagged for crossing pollution thresholds.

What’s particularly alarming is the sharp spike in PM2.5 pollution levels in Guwahati, which have doubled unexpectedly. In 2022, the average PM2.5 level was 51 micrograms per cubic meter, surging to 105.4 micrograms per cubic meter in a short span. Similar worrying trends were observed in Delhi, indicating a widespread issue.

IQAir warned that India’s air pollution levels are among the highest globally, raising concerns about future projections. If this trend continues unchecked, it could lead to a surge in diseases linked to air and environmental pollution, including heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, respiratory tract ailments, and asthma.

In light of these findings, it is crucial for residents of Guwahati to prioritize their health by wearing masks until substantial rainfall alleviates these abnormal weather patterns and helps mitigate pollution levels. Public awareness and concerted efforts towards sustainable environmental practices are essential to combat this pressing issue and safeguard public health.

Guwahati Air pollution