Pollution is a global issue which is on the constant rise with each passing day. Modernization, urbanization and industrialization have made lives easier, but they have increased the levels of pollution significantly causing drastic changes like water-scarcity, global warming, change in global weather patterns, health problems, etc. It is quite sad to see that among the leading most polluted cities in the world, most of the names are from India.
Mentioned below find top 10 most polluted cities in India in 2017 (highest to lowest order):
- Delhi
We all know how polluted Delhi, India’s capital city is. In fact, this city finds a top place among leading polluted cities in the world too. This city is highly populated and the numbers of vehicles plying on the roads in Delhi are maximum in the country. The city has startling pollution facts and statistics. Levels of harmful air particulates less than 2.5 micrometers (PM 2.5) are 153µg/m3. Also levels of air particulates less than 10 micrometers (PM 10) are 286µg/m3.
- Patna (Bihar)
Patna is not among the top industrial cities in India, yet it ranks second on the pollution index in the country. Agriculture is the main source of income in Bihar state and the rising levels of pollution could be detrimental to agricultural growth in the area. Levels of harmful air particulates less than 2.5 micrometers (PM 2.5) are 149µg/m3. Also levels of air particulates less than 10 micrometers (PM 10) are 164µg/m3.
- Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh)
Gwalior is located in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh and is a popular historical city, which attracts large numbers of foreign and domestic travelers and tourists. But rising levels of pollution in the city are a real concern as it might hamper the tourism industry in the area. Levels of harmful air particulates less than 2.5 micrometers (PM 2.5) are 144µg/m3. Also levels of air particulates less than 10 micrometers (PM 10) are 329µg/m3.
- Raipur (Chhattisgarh)
The capital city of Chhattisgarh, Raipur stands in fourth position when it comes to most polluted cities in India in 2017. Many coal mines are located in this city and maximum amounts of electricity are produced in Raipur in the many thermal power plants. Along with thermal power plants, the area also has many industries, which contribute to pollution levels. Levels of harmful air particulates less than 2.5 micrometers (PM 2.5) are 134µg/m3. Also levels of air particulates less than 10 micrometers (PM 10) are 305µg/m3.
- Ahmedabad (Gujarat)
Ahmedabad in Gujarat is the fifth most polluted city in India. Rapid development of the city is one of the main reasons for increasing levels of pollution. Not only this, Ahmedabad has the most numbers of textile mills in the country, producing the finest quality textile materials in the country, which are even exported. Levels of harmful air particulates less than 2.5 micrometers (PM 2.5) are 100µg/m3. Also levels of air particulates less than 10 micrometers (PM 10) are 67µg/m3.
- Firozabad (Uttar Pradesh)
Firozabad is well known in India for the city has large numbers of industries, which indulge in making glass products. Bangle production is one of the most important professions in the city. Manufacturing of glass products and bangles leads to the emission of harmful gases in the atmosphere and causes pollution. Levels of harmful air particulates less than 2.5 micrometers (PM 2.5) are 96µg/m3. Also levels of air particulates less than 10 micrometers (PM 10) are 218.5µg/m3.
- Amritsar (Punjab)
The city of the famous Golden Temple, Amritsar in Punjab ranks at number 7 when it comes to indexing pollution levels in the country. Large numbers of people come to this city on a regular basis for visiting The Golden Temple. Moreover, the increasing volumes of traffic also contribute to increasing levels of pollution in the city. Levels of harmful air particulates less than 2.5 micrometers (PM 2.5) are 92µg/m3. Also levels of air particulates less than 10 micrometers (PM 10) are 210µg/m3.
- Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh)
Kanpur is considered to be one of the largest cities in Uttar Pradesh with high population density. People in the city lack awareness regarding pollution and cleanliness and increase the levels of pollution in the process. The government is also not very active in keeping pollution levels under control in the city. Levels of harmful air particulates less than 2.5 micrometers (PM 2.5) are 88µg/m3. Also levels of air particulates less than 10 micrometers (PM 10) are 201.5µg/m3.
- Agra (Uttar Pradesh)
Talk of Agra and the image of the famous Taj Mahal and Agra Fort come to the mind at once. These are cultural heritages of India, which are among major global attractions of the world. Millions of travelers from across the globe visit Agra to catch a glimpse of the wonderful architectural creations. However, increasing pollution levels are a major concern for Agra as these historical monuments are being affected by the same. Dry sand, increased amounts of mining and industrial smoke contribute to pollution in the area greatly. Levels of harmful air particulates less than 2.5 micrometers (PM 2.5) are 88µg/m3. Also levels of air particulates less than 10 micrometers (PM 10) are 200µg/m3.
- Ludhiana (Punjab)
Ludhiana is one of the most important industrial hubs in the country. The city has different kinds of industries but the industrial development does not have any check mark from the administrative department of the government leading to increased levels of pollution. Levels of harmful air particulates less than 2.5 micrometers (PM 2.5) are 86µg/m3. Also levels of air particulates less than 10 micrometers (PM 10) are 195.5µg/m3.
