Tue Apr 22 02:28:30 UTC 2025: ## Indian Town Ranked World’s Most Polluted, Sparks Joint State Action
**Byrnihat, India –** The northeastern Indian town of Byrnihat has been named the world’s most polluted metropolitan area by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir, sparking concerns about public health and prompting a joint initiative between the states of Assam and Meghalaya.
Sumaiya Ansari, a two-year-old resident, exemplifies the crisis. Suffering from severe breathing problems attributed to the polluted air, she recently required hospitalization and oxygen support. Her case is far from isolated; doctors report a surge in respiratory illnesses, with 90% of patients presenting with coughs or related issues. Farmers also report crop damage and skin irritations.
Byrnihat’s annual average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 was a staggering 128.2 micrograms per cubic meter—over 25 times the World Health Organization’s recommended level. This persistent poor air quality, unlike seasonal pollution in other parts of India, is a year-round problem attributed to approximately 80 industries, many highly polluting, coupled with emissions from heavy vehicles and the town’s bowl-shaped topography which traps pollutants.
The situation has highlighted inter-state disagreements, with Assam and Meghalaya previously blaming each other for the crisis. However, following the release of the IQAir report in March, both states have agreed to form a joint committee to address the pollution problem. The collaborative effort marks a significant step towards tackling the environmental and health challenges facing Byrnihat and its residents.
First Piper 