India Launches First Air Quality Index to Combat Growing Pollution Concerns
NEW DELHI, April 6 (UPI) — India has launched its first national air quality index in response to studies on air pollution in the country, including one labeling New Delhi as the most polluted city in the world.
About 620,000 people die every year due to pollution-related diseases in India, according to the World Health Organization. The Environmental Performance Index ranks India at 155 out of 178 countries for air quality.
The index will monitor air quality in 10 cities across India initially and officials hope to cover 66 cities as the end goal.
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The increase in pollution has been attributed to an increase of motor vehicles use, particularly cars driven by diesel. Polluting industries, open burning of materials, waste due to construction and loss of forest have also increased pollution levels.
The index was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We are trying to think of ways of reducing carbon emissions, but we are not thinking of changing our lifestyle,” Modi said. “Unless we bring a change in our lifestyle, we will not be able to save the environment.”
The WHO reported that New Delhi had an annual average of 153 micrograms of small particles, known as PM2.5, per cubic meters.
The WHO air pollution study was based on 1,600 cities. Thirteen of the 20 most polluted cities worldwide were in India.
“The Air Quality Index may prove to be a major impetus to improving air quality in urban areas, as it will improve public awareness in cities to take steps for air pollution mitigation,” Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said as he launched the index at an environmental conference.
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