Kolkata Ranks as the Second Most Polluted City Globally
In a recent report, Kolkata has emerged as the world's second most polluted city, trailing only Lahore, Pakistan.
Kolkata's Air Quality Index (AQI) is recorded at 172.
Delhi and Mumbai follow Kolkata, with AQIs of 163 and 161 respectively.
The pollution levels indicate potential health risks for sensitive groups.
Kolkata has been identified as the second most polluted city in the world, according to the latest data from IQAir's live World Air Quality Ranking. The city has an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 172, placing it just behind Lahore, Pakistan, which tops the list with an AQI of 185. This alarming ranking highlights the ongoing air quality crisis affecting major urban centers globally.
The report reveals that the air pollution issue is not limited to Kolkata alone; several Indian cities are grappling with severe air quality challenges. Delhi ranks third with an AQI of 163, while Mumbai is positioned fifth with an AQI of 161. The data is sourced from IQAir's comprehensive monitoring system, which tracks air quality in over 100 major cities worldwide, updating hourly to reflect real-time conditions.
The top ten most polluted cities, as per the latest IQAir rankings, include Lahore, Kolkata, Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, and Mumbai, among others. The presence of multiple Indian cities in this list underscores a significant public health concern, as these cities contend with deteriorating air quality. The full list reveals that cities from Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Qatar, Bahrain, and Iraq also feature prominently, indicating a widespread issue across various regions.
The implications of these pollution levels are serious, particularly for vulnerable populations. According to IQAir's AQI classification, readings between 151 and 200 are categorized as 'Unhealthy,' suggesting that air quality may pose health risks. This classification is critical as it informs residents about the potential dangers associated with prolonged exposure to polluted air. Both Kolkata and Lahore, with their high AQIs, fall within this hazardous range, as do Delhi and Mumbai.
Looking ahead, it is crucial for local authorities and health organizations to address these air quality issues through effective policies and public awareness campaigns. Continuous monitoring and timely interventions will be essential to mitigate the health impacts of air pollution in Kolkata and other affected cities. As the situation evolves, residents are urged to stay informed about air quality levels and take necessary precautions to protect their health.
