India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Chad, Iran, and Afghanistan Struggle with Extreme Air Pollution as Cities Choke Under Toxic Smog in 2024
India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Chad, Iran, and Afghanistan Struggle with Extreme Air Pollution as Cities Choke Under Toxic Smog in 2024
Thursday, March 13, 2025
India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Chad, Iran, and Afghanistan face severe air pollution in 2024, with toxic smog and record PM2.5 levels endangering millions.
A recent global air quality study has revealed the world’s most polluted cities of 2024, with Asian countries overwhelmingly occupying the top ranks. The findings, based on PM2.5 concentrations—a class of airborne pollutants known for their severe health risks—underscore the ongoing struggle with air pollution across South Asia.
PM2.5 Pollution: A Growing Crisis
The study focused on PM2.5 particles, which measure 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter. These microscopic pollutants penetrate deep into human lungs, leading to severe respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and premature deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an annual PM2.5 guideline of 5 µg/m³, yet many urban centers far exceed this benchmark, endangering millions of residents.
India Leads the List with Six of the Top Nine Most Polluted Cities
According to the report, Byrnihat, India, an industrial hub straddling the Assam-Meghalaya border, recorded the highest annual PM2.5 concentration of 128.2 µg/m³, making it the most polluted metropolitan area in 2024.
India dominated the rankings, with six out of the top nine most polluted cities globally, including:
- Delhi (108.3 µg/m³)
- Mullanpur (102.3 µg/m³)
- Faridabad (101.2 µg/m³)
- Loni (91.7 µg/m³)
- New Delhi (91.6 µg/m³)
New Delhi, the nation’s capital, retained its status as the world’s most polluted capital for the sixth consecutive year, with an annual PM2.5 level of 91.8 µg/m³—far exceeding safe limits.
Pakistan and Kazakhstan Also Rank High
Pakistan also featured prominently on the list, with Dera Ismail Khan (93 µg/m³) and Lahore (102.1 µg/m³) making it into the top 10. Lahore, in particular, has been battling an extreme smog crisis, frequently recording hazardous air quality levels.
Meanwhile, Karaganda, Kazakhstan, ranked third globally with a PM2.5 concentration of 104.8 µg/m³, marking the worst pollution levels outside South Asia.
Africa’s N’Djamena Among the Few Non-Asian Cities in the Top 10
The only non-Asian city to feature in the rankings was N’Djamena, Chad, in Central Africa, which recorded an annual PM2.5 level of 91.8 µg/m³. The country also had the worst overall air pollution globally, with limited government intervention to tackle the crisis.
Air Pollution: The Root Causes
Both India and Pakistan have been grappling with hazardous smog levels in recent months. Experts attribute the extreme air pollution to a combination of factors, including:
- Industrial emissions from factories and power plants
- Vehicle exhaust fumes, particularly from outdated diesel engines
- Crop burning, which worsens air quality during the winter months
- Construction dust and rapid urban expansion, increasing particulate matter in the air
Countries Excluded Due to Lack of Data
Some nations, including Iran and Afghanistan, were not included in the study due to insufficient air quality data. However, past reports indicate that both countries experience severe air pollution issues in major urban centers.
Top 10 Most Polluted Cities in 2024 (PM2.5 Concentration in µg/m³)
- Byrnihat, India – 128.2
- Delhi, India – 108.3
- Karaganda, Kazakhstan – 104.8
- Mullanpur, India – 102.3
- Lahore, Pakistan – 102.1
- Faridabad, India – 101.2
- Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan – 93
- N’Djamena, Chad – 91.8
- Loni, India – 91.7
- New Delhi, India – 91.6
Urgent Need for Solutions
With millions exposed to toxic air daily, urgent government interventions are needed to mitigate the crisis. Policies such as stricter emissions regulations, public transport enhancements, and afforestation initiatives could significantly improve air quality in these regions.
The report serves as a stark reminder of the growing air pollution crisis, particularly in South Asia, and the need for immediate and sustained action to protect public health.
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