In 2011, 9 out of 15 cities in India had an unhealthy PM10 AQI value, with some smaller cities like Ludhiana and Kanpur having very unhealthy air quality (Global Health Observatory Data Repository 2011). A study conducted by Tel Aviv University researchers also found that air pollution levels in Indian cities have increased rapidly between 2002 and 2010. Calcutta had an 11.5% increase in air pollution and Bangalore had the highest increase of 34%.
This image appears in EMBARQ’s issue brief, Integrating Health Benefits into Transportation Planning and Policy in India. For a detailed Health Impact Assessment framework and a pilot application quantifying health impacts of air pollution, traffic injuries and fatalities, and physical activity, refer to the EMBARQ India Issue Brief on Integrating Health Benefits into Transportation Planning and Policy in India.