Challenges of Air Pollution in Metro Cities in India

Abstract

Urban air quality has generally deteriorated throughout the Indian cities. The reasons are rising numbers of motor vehicles, especially poorly maintained vehicles and growing industrialization without any priority for pollution abatement. Indian cities qualify as some of the most polluted cities in the world and heading the list is the national capital, New Delhi. The single most factor responsible for this deterioration of air quality in cities is the exponential increase in petrol and diesel fuelled vehicles. Industries are also responsible for air pollution in India. Most of the industries are located near cities, irrespective of any environmental considerations. Coal based thermal plants have been established for power generation and are responsible for air pollution through gaseous emissions of sulphur di oxide, nitrogen oxide etc. The main aim of the article is to highlight the causes and challenges of air pollution in metro cities in India.