As air pollution becomes a pressing concern in Delhi, Mumbai and other metropolitan cities, an expert shares insights on the Air Quality Index, particulate matter and other factors affecting the important pollution indicators
Commuters travelling amid smog conditions as air quality continues to deteriorate in Mumbai. Pic/mid-day photographers
Of the world’s 30 most polluted cities, 22 are in India. Delhi, whose Air Quality Index regularly falls in the “poor” or “very poor” categories, ranks as the most polluted capital city worldwide. Although Mumbai did not figure in that list, released by the Swiss Organisation IQAir in March this year, there have been instances when South Mumbai has recorded similarly alarming AQI levels.