The problem of air pollution in Delhi is increasing day by day. Since Diwali, the air quality index (AQI) of the national capital has not gone below 300, while of late it has been continuously hovering around 350 in the ‘very poor’ category. This serious situation is not only a matter of concern for the health of Delhiites but has also become a major challenge for the administration.
The capitals of the northeastern states of India are the cleanest.
On the contrary, if we talk about the cleanest capital of the country, then it is Gangtok of Sikkim. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data on November 6, the AQI in Gangtok was found to be just 29, which is clearly unhealthy to breathe. This shows that the level of pollution in Gangtok is negligible and people here can breathe clean air. The main pollutant in Gangtok is ozone, not particulate matter, which is the main problem in Delhi.
Another northeastern state, Mizoram, whose capital Aizawl is also in very good condition in terms of air quality. Yesterday i.e. November 6, 2024, the AQI of Aizawl was recorded at just 34. The major pollutant here is PM10, but it cannot be compared with the polluted air of Delhi or other northern states.
South Indian states are not far behind either
If we look at the state of air quality in India, cities in the northeastern states have always performed commendably in terms of clean air. But South Indian cities are also not far behind in this matter. Especially the city of Mangalore, Karnataka, which scored only 32 points in the Air Quality Index (AQI) on November 6. It has been best measured among cities in southern states. Mangalore’s main air pollutant is carbon monoxide and not particulate matter, which is commonly seen elsewhere.
However, if we talk about Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, the air quality index was 110, which falls into the ‘moderate’ category. Here the amount of PM10 and PM2.5 is high due to the smoke and dust emitted by means of transport.
Talking about other cities and regions in South India, many places in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are considered in the ‘good’ category for air quality. The AQI was 45 in Udupi, 35 in Tirunelveli, 46 in Thrissur and Thoothukudi, 40 in Kolar, 48 in Kollam, 41 in Kalaburagi and 40 in Chamarajanagar. All these figures indicate that the air quality is better even in the southern part of the country.
However, the air quality of any city or area also depends on its geographical and meteorological conditions. But at the same time, the measures taken to control local pollution cannot be underestimated.
