World’s Most Polluted Cities: Several Indian cities rank in top 10; Details here

According to a report by the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) on the morning of October 21st was recorded at 352, which falls in the very poor category.

New Delhi: After the Diwali festival, Delhi's air quality has again reached a poor level. On Diwali, people burst firecrackers beyond the time limit set by the Supreme Court, causing a thick haze across Delhi and the entire NCR. Meanwhile, according to a report by the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) on the morning of October 21st was recorded at 352, which falls in the very poor category. This puts Delhi among the most polluted cities in the world. So, let us tell you which are the world's most polluted cities and which Indian cities are included in the top 10?

These are the world's most polluted cities

According to a report by Swiss air quality firm IQAir, Indian cities are also among the world's most polluted cities. Along with India, Pakistani cities are also included in this list.

1. Delhi, India

2. Lahore, Pakistan

3. Kuwait City, Kuwait

4. Karachi, Pakistan

5. Mumbai, India

6. Tashkent, Uzbekistan

7. Doha, Qatar

8. Kolkata, India

9. Canberra, Australia

10. Jakarta, Indonesia

According to a report by Swiss air quality firm IQAir, three major Indian cities are among the world's most polluted cities. Delhi ranks first among the most polluted cities in the world, while Mumbai ranks fifth and Kolkata eighth. These pollution figures for Indian cities came a day after Diwali, when firecrackers were burst across India. Firecrackers are considered one of the most significant contributors to air pollution, and air quality deteriorates every year after Diwali.

The Supreme Court had permitted only green firecrackers.

The Supreme Court had permitted the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali. However, people disregarded the usage and timings from October 18th to 21st. According to the Supreme Court, firecrackers could only be burst between 6 pm and 7 pm and 8 pm and 10 pm in the NCR, including Delhi. Despite this, people defied the Supreme Court's rules and burned firecrackers, polluting the air in Delhi and the NCR.