NEW DELHI: The number of Indian cities in the list of world’s most polluted cities has swelled to three after the addition of Kolkata and Mumbai.
In the aftermath of Diwali festivities, New Delhi continues to dominate the world’s polluted cities, registering an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 430.
Kolkata and Mumbai joined the list, securing the fourth (AQI 196) and ninth (AQI 156) positions.
Ban on fireworks disregarded
The ban on firecrackers in New Delhi was largely ignored during Sunday’s celebrations, increasing the already hazardous air quality.
Reuters reported that despite restrictions imposed by the Bombay High Court, festivities in Mumbai contributed to the city’s deteriorating air quality.
“An AQI level of 400-500 impacts healthy people and is dangerous to those with existing diseases, while a level of 150-200 brings discomfort to people with asthma, lung and heart problems,” Reuters said.
List of most polluted cities
According to the Air Quality Index, the following is the list of the top 10 most polluted cities, along with their AQIs.
- Delhi (430)
- Lahore (384)
- Baghdad (202)
- Kolkata (196)
- Karachi (182)
- Dhaka (172)
- Kuwait City (170)
- Doha (158)
- Mumbai (156)
- Jakarta (151)
