Alarming Air Quality Levels in Indian Cities Raise Severe Health Concerns

In a recent report released by the National Centre for Disease Control Board, India, major concerns have been raised regarding the deteriorating air quality in numerous Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities across the country. The data reveals a grim picture, with cities like Delhi topping the charts with an Air Quality Index AQI of 376, followed closely by Chandigarh at 354, Agartala at 348, Guwahati at 336, and Muzaffarnagar at 322.

The severity of the situation is further emphasized by the AQI readings in other cities, including Ghaziabad 316, Asansol 304, Patna-Muzaffarpur 300, Bhubaneswar 299, and Bikaner-Kota 292. Even cities like Faridabad and Greater Noida are not exempt, with AQI levels at 284 and 280, respectively.

The National Centre for Disease Control Board warns that such high pollution levels pose a significant threat to public health. Prolonged exposure to very poor air quality can result in respiratory illnesses even in healthy individuals, while vulnerable populations may experience pronounced or serious respiratory issues with short-term exposure.

This revelation underscores the immediate need for robust measures to address air pollution. Failing swift and effective action could trigger a public health crisis, necessitating urgent collaborative efforts from citizens, policymakers, and environmental advocates to mitigate the impact of this air quality crisis on public health.