Surat and Ahmedabad have earned alarming positions among the nine most polluted cities in India, with rising levels of PM2.5 pollution, a fine particulate matter that poses severe health risks. Surat ranks third, while Ahmedabad sits sixth on the list, according to a report presented in Parliament. Though the annual average PM2.5 levels in these cities may appear manageable, experts caution that the situation worsens significantly during the colder months, putting public health in danger.
In 2023, Surat recorded an annual average PM2.5 level of 52 µg/m³, surpassing the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) threshold of 40 µg/m³, while Ahmedabad’s level stood at 39 µg/m³. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an ideal annual average of just 5 µg/m³, emphasizing the growing gap between India’s air quality standards and global recommendations.
Although the annual averages may seem relatively under control, the situation escalates dramatically in winter. During this period, PM2.5 levels can soar by five to six times, reaching hazardous concentrations that significantly affect respiratory health and overall well-being. Environmental experts, including Mahesh Pandya of the NGO Paryavaran Mitra, point to various contributing factors such as vehicular emissions, construction activity, and the declining green cover. Cities like Ahmedabad have seen PM2.5 levels spike as high as 300 µg/m³ during winter months, a dangerous level far exceeding the safe limits.
The Union government has been monitoring air quality across 454 cities, with 246 of these meeting the NAAQS for PM2.5 in 2023. However, the sharp seasonal fluctuations in air quality highlight the need for targeted measures, especially as urbanisation increases and industrial activities continue to contribute to air pollution. As PM2.5 levels continue to rise, the urgency to address this issue for the health of millions becomes more critical.
