Byrnihat tops global pollution chart in 2024
Byrnihat named world’s most polluted city in 2024, overtaking Delhi
In 2024, the world’s most polluted city was not Delhi, but Byrnihat, a town in Meghalaya, India. This surprised many because Delhi is often thought to be the most polluted city in India and the world. According to the Swiss Group IQAir’s annual pollution report for 2024, Byrnihat is the most polluted metropolitan area globally.
Byrnihat has been ranked as the most polluted urban area in India for the second year in a row by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The town’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is 302, which puts it in the “very poor” category. This means the air quality there is dangerous for people’s health.
Pollution is a serious problem in Byrnihat and many other cities in India and around the world. AQI is a number used to measure air pollution. The higher the AQI, the worse the air quality is. An AQI above 300 is very harmful and can cause serious health issues for everyone, especially children, elderly, and people with breathing problems.
Delhi, India’s capital, was ranked second on the list, not first as many expect. Other cities in the top five include Karaganda in Kazakhstan at third place, Mullanpur in Punjab, India at fourth, and Lahore in Pakistan at fifth.
The pollution report shows that many Indian cities face very poor air quality, including Loni in Uttar Pradesh, Greater Noida, Bhiwadi, Muzaffarnagar, and Faridabad. This shows that pollution is a widespread problem in the country, affecting many regions.
How Meghalaya is fighting pollution
The government of Meghalaya has noticed the serious pollution problem in Byrnihat and has started taking steps to reduce it. On May 1, 2025, the Meghalaya Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, approved a vehicle scrappage policy. This policy focuses on removing old and unfit vehicles from the roads to reduce pollution caused by vehicle emissions.
Paul Lyngdoh, a government spokesperson, explained that this policy will remove about 13,000 old cars from the state’s roads. Out of these, 5,000 are government-owned vehicles, and 8,000 are privately owned. Old vehicles often emit more harmful gases, which pollute the air. By removing these vehicles, the government hopes to cut down on pollution and improve air quality.
Lyngdoh also said that this policy will help reduce fuel imports, lower the need for raw materials, and help with recycling. This means that the policy not only fights pollution but also helps the economy and the environment.
Many other cities in India and nearby countries also struggle with poor air quality. In the top 30 most polluted cities worldwide, several Indian cities and cities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China are included. For example, cities like Gurugram, Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Noida, Ballabgarh, and Mandi Gobindgarh in India are in the list. Pakistan’s cities such as Multan, Peshawar, Faisalabad, and Lahore also face severe pollution problems.
Pollution is a global challenge, and it requires efforts from governments, communities, and individuals to make the air cleaner and healthier.
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Pollution impacts and what can be done
Air pollution is dangerous because it affects everyone’s health. Breathing polluted air can cause lung problems, heart diseases, and other serious illnesses. Children and older adults are especially at risk. In places with very poor air quality like Byrnihat, people are more likely to get sick.
The main causes of pollution in cities include vehicle emissions, industrial activities, burning of crops and garbage, and construction dust. In many places, old vehicles are a big source of harmful gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
To fight pollution, governments can set rules to control emissions from vehicles and factories. They can also promote the use of cleaner fuels and electric vehicles. Citizens can help by reducing the use of cars, using public transport, and avoiding burning waste.
Many cities around the world have started planting more trees and creating green spaces to improve air quality. Trees help absorb harmful gases and provide cleaner oxygen. Public awareness and education about pollution’s dangers are also important.
Byrnihat’s ranking as the world’s most polluted city in 2024 shows that pollution is not only a problem in big cities like Delhi but also in smaller towns. This highlights the need for urgent action across all areas to improve air quality.
The steps taken by Meghalaya, like the vehicle scrappage policy, are good examples of how governments can fight pollution. But more efforts are needed from everyone to make the air safer to breathe.
Cleaner air means better health and a better life for all. The world must work together to reduce pollution and protect our planet for future generations.
