Air Pollution has become a major concern nowadays. Rapid globalization has led to more industries and other activities which eventually contributed to air pollution. The United Nations are making awareness about the current scenario and many countries have started to adopt pollution control standards to bring this under control. WHO has reported that there was an acute increase in air pollution during 2008-2013. You might be surprised to take a look at the World’s top 10 most polluted cities.
Baoding, China
Baoding is located in China and is known for its high smog rate. The coal factories and the coal-powered machines release smoke and particulates into the atmosphere every day.
Xingtai, China
Xingtai is the most polluted city in China. It is located in Hebei province of China. The major cause for the presence of enormous air particulates is coal-burning factory emissions.
Bamenda, Cameroon
Bamenda is a hilly place in Cameroon and seems to be the only city in Africa which has got listed in the world’s top 10 polluted cities. The rapid urbanization of the place has led to rising air pollution and soil erosion.
Raipur, India
Raipur is one of the most highly polluted cities in India. The city has quite a huge population and the major cause of air pollution is found to be the emissions from aluminium and steel plants. The coal industries have also added up to the same.
Patna, India
Patna is the 2nd largest city in India. The city is one of the important agricultural trade centres. But now the place suffers high air pollution due to increasing industries, power generation and transportation.
Jubail, Saudi Arabia
Al Jubail is found in Persian Gulf. The rapid industrialization in 1970 has not only given the city an industrialised standard but also recorded a high amount of air pollution making it the 5th most polluted city in the World.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Riyadh is one of the largest city in Saudi Arabia with huge industries. Industries tend in releasing large amounts of fumes into the air every day. The amount of sulphur dioxide (SO2) present in the air is found to be 15 times more than the healthy level.
Allahabad, India
Allahabad is the 2nd highly polluted city in India. The city is located on the banks of the river Ganga. The high rate of air particulates has led to the drying of rivers which is becoming a serious issue now.
Gwalior, India
Gwalior is an Indian city which is present like 200 miles from Delhi. This historic city has many coal-powered plants which have failed to implement air-pollution control standards. Adding to this, the increasing number of automobiles also makes the air impure.
Zabol, Iran
Zabol has nearly 20 times more particulates present in the air than that is recommended by WHO. The wetlands have started to dry due to the high concentration of dust particles in the air.