Suffering From Respiratory Disease? Shift To One Of These Least Polluted Cities In India

Delhi's S K Chaddha, who is suffering from asthma, has been advised by his doctor to relocate to a less polluted city. There are many such medical cases that join the list of severe respiratory diseases caused due to air pollution, every day. Inhaling poor quality air, which contains toxins and particulate matter, lead to diseases including bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, nausea and even heart attacks. The inefficiency of vital organs of our body like lungs and heart, thus, has damaging effects on our lifestyle.

A report by Greenpeace India recently stated that none of the 168 cities in our country complies with World Health Organisation (WHO) prescribed standards. That's not all, it said that nearly 1.2 million deaths in the country are caused due to air pollution. And, the national capital ranks at the top. Efforts such as a ban on construction activity or odd-even rationing have been ineffective in bringing down the pollutions levels.

Fortunately, some cities, majority from the south of the country were found to comply with the US National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQs). The annual average of 60 µg/m3 of PM10 concentration in the air is the prescribed levels of particulate matter (including carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide).

So, in case you too, like Chaddha, are considering relocation to other parts of the country for better air quality, PropGuide list out the top cities which are least affected by pollution.

Hassan, Karnataka

PM10: 25 µg/m3

The city had been rated among the third least polluted cities in India recently by the World Health Organisation. The city has consistently been in the safe zone for the past few years.  

Mangalore, Karnataka

PM10: 35 µg/m3

Closely following is the post city of Mangalore, Hassan. The PM10 levels were found to be within the permissible limits.

Mysore, Karnataka

PM10: 46 µg/m3

With the diligent measures of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Mysore managed to stay within the safe levels. The city recently introduced an emission testing van to check air pollution levels in the city.

Brahmapur, Odisha

PM10: 55 µg/m3

While the air pollution levels were within manageable parameters, the Odisha State Pollution Control Board and National Green Tribunal are working towards tackling water pollution issues in Ganjam District.

Warangal, Telangana

PM10: 56 µg/m3

Listed among the 100 smart cities, Warangal successfully complied with the set National Ambient Air Quality (NAAQ) standards. One contributing factor for this feat was the efforts of its citizens including local farmers who adopted eco-friendly equipment like solar powered sprayers.