GUWAHATI: Recently, Guwahati gained attention for reasons other than its ‘famed’ flyovers. The city grabbed headlines for its alarming pollution levels, ranking as the second most polluted city globally.
The city is battling with a health crisis as cough, fever, and throat infections plague its residents due to soaring dust pollution levels. Guwahati is facing an alarming situation with an average annual PM2.5 concentration exceeding WHO guidelines by over tenfold.
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The surge in construction activities and the increasing number of vehicles on the streets are major contributors to the dust pollution that is holding Guwahati to ransom. The city's pollution levels place it just behind Begusarai in Bihar, according to the 2023 World Air Quality Report by IQAir.
Highlighting the detrimental effects of air pollution, the report stated, “Causing an estimated one in every nine deaths worldwide, air pollution is the greatest environmental threat to human health. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), air pollution is responsible for an estimated seven million premature deaths worldwide every year.”
“Exposure to PM2.5 air pollution leads to and exacerbates numerous health conditions, including but not limited to asthma, cancer, stroke, and lung disease. Additionally, exposure to elevated levels of fine particles can impair cognitive development in children, lead to mental health issues, and complicate existing illnesses including diabetes,” the report further stated.
The report highlights India's dire air quality situation, with nine out of ten most polluted cities worldwide being Indian. With 42 Indian cities in the top 50 list, concerns about air quality have reached a critical level.
Residents are feeling the impact firsthand, with many reporting symptoms such as cough, fever, and throat pain.
Talking to GPlus, Animesh Saikia, a resident of Chandmari said, "Despite taking medication, the dry cough refuses to go away, and I believe it's because of the heavy dust in the air."
Another resident of Lachit Nagar seeking anonymity said, "Since morning, my son is suffering from fever. And also facing a problem urinating. This might be because of dust pollution."
Talking to GPlus, Dr. Abhijit Sarma, Superintendent of GMCH pointed out that the changing temperatures could lead to diseases, emphasising the need for rain. He also highlighted pollen as a contributing factor to the prevalent health issues in the city.
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He also added, "People should stay indoors, wear masks outdoors, and keep their skin moist to mitigate the health risks posed by dust pollution."
With the situation escalating, residents are hoping for early relief and concerted efforts to tackle pollution at its source.
