A climate-tech startup focused on improving air quality, has revealed alarming data about the air pollution crisis in India.
According to the findings, major metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru have experienced particulate matter (PM10) levels consistently surpassing national safety standards over the past four years. The study paints a grim picture, with PM10 levels regularly exceeding 200 µg/m³ — far above the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) limit of 60 µg/m³.PM10 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometres (µm) or smaller, which is fine enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs. These particles are a major concern for public health as prolonged exposure is linked to respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as cardiovascular problems. Experts have long warned that these pollutants pose a significant risk, especially for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
The study’s findings come at a time when India is grappling with some of the worst air quality in the world. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune have been at the centre of this crisis, with smog and dust engulfing their streets for months at a time. As the report highlights, the sources of this air pollution are multifaceted and widespread. Key contributors include vehicular emissions, unregulated construction activities, industrial operations, and the seasonal crop residue burning that particularly affects North India. Waste burning and temperature inversions during the winter months further exacerbate the pollution, creating a toxic cocktail that lingers in the air for days.
While these cities are making strides in addressing pollution through initiatives like the odd-even car schemes, cleaner fuel policies, and stricter emission standards, the effectiveness of these measures has been limited. The continued rise in PM10 levels suggests that existing policies may not be enough to combat the scale of the problem. The lack of robust enforcement of pollution control regulations, coupled with rapid urbanisation and population growth, has left many cities struggling to keep up with the mounting pollution levels.Experts warn that if the current trend continues, the health impact on the population could be devastating. Poor air quality is already a major public health issue in India, with millions of people suffering from respiratory illnesses every year.
The economic costs are equally significant, as hospitals and healthcare systems become increasingly strained, and lost productivity due to illness adds to the financial burden.At the same time, the issue of air pollution also highlights the need for more sustainable urban development practices. Cities like Delhi and Mumbai are among the most densely populated in the world, and rapid urbanisation is putting immense pressure on the environment. To curb the rise in PM10 levels, experts suggest a comprehensive approach that includes stricter emission standards, the promotion of electric vehicles, enhanced green spaces, and better waste management practices.
The study by Respirer Living Sciences serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for concerted action. As air pollution continues to exceed safe limits, the time to address India’s growing pollution crisis is now. While the government and environmental organisations have made progress, a long-term, sustainable solution requires collaboration across all sectors — from urban planning and transportation to energy production and waste management. Without this, the health of millions of Indians will remain at risk, and the nation will continue to face the environmental and economic consequences of unchecked pollution.
The path forward lies in a balanced approach that integrates environmental, health, and economic policies, ensuring that cleaner air becomes a reality for every city in India. Only through such coordinated efforts can we hope to bring PM10 levels back within safe limits and protect the well-being of the nation’s residents.
PM10 Levels Soar in Major Indian Cities
