Air pollutants in India's mega cities from 2010 to 2020: A review

An estimated 19 percent of India's population is at risk from air pollutants at dangerously high levels. Population growth, automobile use, industrial and agricultural activities, power plants, waste treatment plants, biomass burning, and construction and demolition debris have all been cited as contributing factors to India's rapid air pollution increases. There have been significant adverse effects on human health and the environment as a result of air pollution. This review examines data relevant to ambient air quality in four major Indian megacities from 2010 to 2020 and compares them to WHO guidelines and Indian National Ambient Air Quality Standards. From 2010 to 2020, annual average concentrations (μg/m3) of pollutants, namely PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, and CO, across four major megacities, namely Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, are compared, as well as monitoring programs. This work would be helpful to policymakers in making decisions.