Mumbai and Kolkata are also in the top 10 defaulters. For most hazardous of particles — PM10, which can even penetrate a face mask — New Delhi has three times more than Hong Kong. (The city that comes closest to being classified as most polluted in the world is Mexico Agra, December 8: This is not going to come as a surprise. New Delhi tops the grim pollution charts released by a World Bank and Asian Development Bank joint study of air pollution for 20 major Asian cities between 2000 and 2003. Mumbai and Kolkata are also in the top 10 defaulters. For most hazardous of particles — PM10, which can even penetrate a face mask — New Delhi has three times more than Hong Kong. (The city that comes closest to being classified as most polluted in the world is Mexico, depending on the season.) Jakarta and Chongqing in south-west China follow close behind. The findings were released at one of the largest gatherings on air quality management in Agra — ‘Better Air Quality 2004’.

The big picture is though there has been moderate to slight decrease in pollution levels for sulphur dioxide, total suspended particulates and fine particulates, they are way above WHO guidelines. Also, Indian cities are going the same way as developed countries — they have rising levels of nitrogen dioxide in the troposphere and very little clue as to where it is coming from. Of all the cities surveyed, Singapore is the only one that falls within safety limits for all key pollutants.

It happens to be the only city in Asia which restricts the number of cars on the road by auctioning the rights to own vehicles. Contrast it with Delhi’s situation where 10,000 cars are being added every month. The fact that particulate matter has had a downward curve in Delhi over three years is because of the success of the CNG programme. Experts feel that this is not enough and if a city like Delhi deals only with technology of vehicles and fuels, the effects will get nullified very soon. ‘‘The growing number of vehicles and poor inspection and maintenance of in-use vehicles can completely undo the effects of, say, a clean fuel like CNG,’’ said Supat Wangwongwatana, Clean Air Initiative.

All is not lost, feel experts. The falling curve only goes to show that the air pollution control measures can be implemented. ‘‘Although particulate levels remain at levels harmful to health, the gains prove that air quality management can work in Asia,’’ said Jan Heeswijk, Director General, Asian Development Bank. After initial gains, the need is to move beyond just talking of end-of-the-tailpipe solution. In the study, only three Indian cities were considered but the reality is startling for the entire country. According to B Sengupta, member-secretary, Central Pollution Control Board, there are 53 cities in India that do not subscribe to standards.