Answer: 

Introduction:

“Delhi has been consistently ranked as one of the most polluted cities in the world. In 2022, it was listed as the 4th most polluted city in the world, according to IQ Air’s World Air Quality Report.” Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent.

Body:

Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata are the three most populous cities in India, and all three face significant air pollution challenges. Delhi’s air pollution problem is more severe than the other two cities.

Significant reasons:

• Geographical Location: Delhi is situated in a landlocked area, with no nearby water bodies, while Mumbai and Kolkata are coastal cities. This geographic location of Delhi exacerbates the impact of pollution due to the absence of a natural outlet for pollutants.
• Vehicular Traffic: Delhi has a higher number of private vehicles compared to Mumbai and Kolkata. The high traffic density coupled with outdated public transportation infrastructure results in heavy traffic congestion, leading to more emissions.
• Industrialization: Delhi has a more significant number of small-scale industries and factories, which burn fossil fuels, emitting pollutants into the air. Mumbai and Kolkata have industrialized areas located outside the city, which reduces the impact of pollution on the city’s air.
• Agricultural Residue Burning: The practice of burning agricultural residue in the nearby states of Delhi is another major contributor to the city’s air pollution.

Example :- stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana.

Conclusion:

Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata face significant air pollution challenges, Delhi’s problem is more severe due to several factors, including its geography, weather patterns, and urbanization trends. Delhi’s air pollution problem will require a multifaceted approach that considers both short-term and long-term solutions to improve air quality and protect public health.

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