2024-03-25
- Delhi was ranked as the capital city with the poorest air quality in the World Air Quality Report 2023.
- India had the third worst air quality globally; with an average annual particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) concentrations of 54.4 micrograms per cubic metre.
- India was better than only two of its neighbouring countries, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
- While Bangladesh remained the most polluted country in the world, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 79.9 micrograms per cubic metre, Pakistan was second, with a level of 73.7.
- Delhi remained the most polluted capital city in the world for the fourth consecutive time, while Begusarai in Bihar was labeled the world's most polluted metropolitan area.
- Ten out of the top 11 most polluted cities worldwide are in India, with Lahore in Pakistan being the only exception. Additionally, 96 percent of India's population experiences PM2.5 levels exceeding the WHO annual guideline by more than seven times.
