NEW DELHI, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- An independent research organisation Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) Tuesday said the Indian capital Delhi recorded the highest PM 2.5 pollution levels in the country, with an annual average concentration of 101 micrograms per cubic meter, 2.5 times the national limit and 20 times the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline.
According to CREA, the results were found during a satellite-based PM 2.5 assessment across India's airsheds, states, and districts.
The report said 60 of India's mapped districts breach the annual National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) of 40 micrograms per cubic metre, with no district meeting WHO PM 2.5 guideline of 5 micrograms per cubic metre.
The Indo-Gangetic airshed remains the most polluted region in the country, consistently non-compliant during winter, summer, and post-monsoon season.
"An emerging concern is the Northeast airshed's year-round air quality challenges, with Assam and Tripura maintaining elevated PM 2.5 concentrations throughout the year," it stated.
Experts say PM 2.5 are fine particles that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter and can travel deep into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs and entering the bloodstream.
Industrial activities and vehicular traffic are significant contributors to air pollution in the city, along with rampant construction. For the past many years, every year ahead of winter, the air quality in Delhi becomes hazardous. ■
