Loni's Air Crisis: Time for a National Clean Air Uplift

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh demands a complete overhaul of the National Clean Air Programme, as Loni is recognized as the world's most polluted city. With PM2.5 levels 20 times WHO's safe limits, Ramesh calls this a severe public health disaster and urges decisive action.

In a striking report, Loni, Uttar Pradesh, has been earmarked as the world's most polluted city, prompting Congress leader Jairam Ramesh to call for a comprehensive overhaul of the National Clean Air Programme. He emphasized an urgent need to tackle India's escalating PM2.5 levels, labeled as a severe public health crisis.

Ramesh highlighted Loni's historical and cultural significance, noting its mention in Indian mythology. Despite its cultural heritage, Loni has gained global notoriety for its abysmal air quality, registering PM2.5 levels over twenty times the WHO's safe limits. This grim record is closely followed by other Indian cities such as Byrnihat, Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Ula.

The World Air Quality Report-2025 by IQAir revealed India's disconcerting rank as the sixth most polluted nation. It identified Loni, along with other Indian cities, among the world's most polluted urban areas. Ramesh's statement underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to remedy India's hazardous air pollution problem.

(With inputs from agencies.)