On Thursday, November 21, Northeastern cities Aizawl, Guwahati, and Nagaon have emerged as leaders in environmental excellence, boasting some of the cleanest air in India despite the national capital’s pollution crisis.
Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, tops the list with an impressive Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32, which falls under the “Good” category. Close behind is Guwahati, Assam’s largest city, with an AQI of 42, also marked as Good. Nagaon, another major city in Assam, recorded a satisfactory AQI of 56, highlighting its comparatively better air quality.
In stark contrast, Delhi faces a severe pollution crisis, with air quality levels reaching dangerous levels. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported alarming figures across the national capital, with locations such as Wazirpur (AQI 436) and Bawana (AQI 418) registering hazardous conditions.
A Stark Environmental Divide
The dramatic contrast in air quality between the Northeast and Delhi highlights the environmental challenges India faces. While the Northeastern cities offer a breath of fresh air, Delhi’s residents are struggling with thick smog, which has severely impacted daily life. The pollution crisis in Delhi has led to disruptions in transportation, with train services delayed and rescheduled due to poor visibility. Footage from Delhi shows joggers navigating through dense smog at Kartavya Path, with key locations like Connaught Place and AIIMS experiencing dangerously low visibility.
Key Air Quality Highlights:
- Aizawl, Mizoram: 32 AQI (Good)
- Guwahati, Assam: 42 AQI (Good)
- Nagaon, Assam: 56 AQI (Satisfactory)
Raising Concerns About Air Quality Management
These statistics not only shine a light on the exceptional air quality of Northeastern cities but also raise critical concerns about air quality management in other urban areas. With Aizawl, Guwahati, and Nagaon showing strong environmental performance, they stand as potential models for better air management and a glimpse of hope for improving urban air quality across the country.
Conclusion
As Aizawl, Guwahati, and Nagaon emerge as unexpected champions in the fight against air pollution, their success offers important lessons for other cities grappling with worsening air quality. These Northeastern cities may provide the key to a cleaner, healthier future for India’s urban centres.
