In a shocking revelation, Byrnihat, a small town in Meghalaya, has overtaken Delhi to become the world’s most polluted city in 2024. This change comes from the annual World Air Quality Report, published by IQAir, a Swiss-based environmental organization. The report, released in March, highlights the alarming levels of air pollution in the town, which now surpasses even New Delhi, a city notoriously known for its high levels of pollution.
In This Article:
Byrnihat’s Unforeseen Rise to the Top
Byrnihat, once a relatively quiet town, has found itself at the center of a growing environmental crisis. According to the report, Byrnihat’s average annual PM2.5 levels have reached a staggering 128.2 µg/m³ in 2024, making it the most polluted city globally. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter that is less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. These tiny particles can pose serious health risks, affecting respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
This small industrial town, located near the Assam-Meghalaya border, has grown significantly over the years due to several industries, including those producing ferroalloys, cement, and polythene. The heavy vehicular movement, particularly by large trucks transporting materials, coupled with industrial emissions, has contributed to the region’s rapidly worsening air quality. As a key industrial hub in the region, Byrnihat has now become a focal point in the conversation about pollution.
India’s Pollution Crisis: A Regional and Global Challenge
While Byrnihat claims the number one spot for the world’s most polluted city in 2024, India continues to struggle with widespread air pollution. The report revealed that six Indian cities are among the top ten most polluted cities globally, including the capital city, New Delhi, which still holds a prominent position in the rankings despite slight improvements.
India ranks as the fifth most polluted country in the world, showing only marginal progress from its previous position as the third most polluted. The persistent issues of industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and agricultural burning continue to threaten the health of millions of citizens. The air quality in these cities remains a pressing concern for both environmentalists and citizens alike.
Government Actions and the Growing Need for Change
The pollution levels in Byrnihat have prompted both local and national authorities to take action. The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has already taken steps to curb industrial pollution, with some factories in Byrnihat being shut down for violating environmental norms. However, experts suggest that these measures may not be enough to tackle the severe levels of pollution unless stricter regulations are implemented and more sustainable industrial practices are adopted.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has also recognized the growing pollution problem in Byrnihat, and there is an increasing push for improved monitoring and enforcement of air quality standards in industrial towns like Byrnihat. However, balancing industrial growth and environmental sustainability remains a major challenge, particularly in regions where industrialization is essential for economic development.
Air Quality Crisis: The Global Context
The IQAir 2024 report also sheds light on global air pollution trends. The report covers data from over 40,000 air quality monitoring stations in 138 countries. The findings suggest that only a few countries, including Australia and New Zealand, meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended air quality standards. On the other hand, countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Chad are among the worst in terms of air quality.
India’s position in this global context highlights the urgent need for comprehensive air quality management and effective pollution control measures to improve the situation both locally and globally. While some cities, such as Gangtok in India, show lower levels of pollution, the overall picture remains bleak, with many industrial areas suffering from hazardous air quality levels.
A Call for Urgent Action
Byrnihat’s unfortunate rise to the title of the world’s most polluted city emphasizes the urgent need for change. Industrial towns, like Byrnihat, must be at the forefront of environmental reform. Sustainable industrial practices, improved pollution control measures, and better enforcement of environmental laws are crucial to reducing pollution and improving air quality.
The situation in Byrnihat serves as a wake-up call not just for India but for the world. With the growing industrialization of many regions, the importance of balancing economic development with environmental sustainability has never been more critical. Unless immediate steps are taken, cities like Byrnihat could become the new norm, and the health of millions may continue to be at risk.
By – Kartik
