WHO : 13 Indian Cities in World’s 20 Most Polluted Cities

• According to Global Urban Air Pollution database released by World Health Organisation (WHO), 14 Indian cities have figured in list of world’s 20 most polluted cities.

• In terms of PM10 levels, 13 cities in India figured among the 20 most-polluted cities of the world in 2016 whereas in terms of PM2.5 levels in 2016, 14 Indian cities were included.
• The 14 Indian cities in the list include-

1. Delhi
2. Varanasi
3. Kanpur
4. Faridabad
5. Gaya
6. Patna
7. Agra
8. Muzaffarpur
9. Srinagar
10. Gurgaon
11. Jaipur
12. Patiala
13. Jodhpur
14. Gwalior

• WHO's global urban air pollution database measured the levels of fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) from more than 4,300 cities in 108 countries.
• According to the report, more than 90 percent of air pollution-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Expected Questions

Question 1. Where are the Headquarters of WHO located?
Geneva, Switzerland

Question 2. Environmental Pollution is measured by using which samplers?
PM10 and PM2.5

Question 3. Who is the current Minister for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in India?
Harsh Vardhan