Delhi Most Polluted City
Source: The Hindu
GS III: Environment Pollution
Overview
- News in Brief
- About the Report
- What is the reason for Delhi’s Pollution?
Why in the News?
Day after Deepavali, three Indian metropolises figured on the list of the most polluted cities in the world compiled by the Swiss air purifier company IQAir.
About the Report
- Delhi was the most polluted city in the world with an air quality index (AQI) of 287.
- It is followed by Lahore, Pakistan, at 195. Mumbai, at 153, and Kolkata, at 166, were among the top 10.
- The IQAir’s AQI measures data from 109 countries, and the readings change hourly.
- It follows a U.S. methodology and varies slightly from the Indian one.
- The values are a measure of the quantities of PM (particulate matter) 2.5, considered most harmful to respiratory health.
- Though pollution from firecrackers is shortlived compared with those from persistent sources such as vehicle emission and waste and biomass burning, the spike in pollutants has a pronounced effect on health.
Current Situation of Delhi Pollution
- Air pollution in parts of Delhi was 30 times the safe limits prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
- This contributed in part by the firecrackers on Dipavali night, show figures from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee.
- This is despite a ban on firecrackers in the city.
- Several monitoring stations reported a value of 400, classified as the severe category.
What is the reason for Delhi’s Pollution?
- Delhi’s pollution is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors.
- It’s essential to note that addressing Delhi’s pollution requires coordinated efforts at local, regional, and national levels.
- Initiatives such as improving public transportation, regulating industrial emissions, promoting cleaner technologies, and addressing agricultural practices contribute to the overall strategy for mitigating pollution in Delhi.
- Additionally, the implementation of policies to manage stubble burning and waste disposal is crucial.
Key reasons for the pollution in Delhi
- Vehicular Emissions
- Delhi has a high density of vehicles, and emissions from automobiles contribute significantly to air pollution.
- The use of diesel vehicles, in particular, adds to the levels of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides.
- Waste Burning
- The burning of municipal solid waste and other types of waste contributes to air pollution.
- Open burning of waste releases harmful substances into the atmosphere.
- Industrial Pollution
- Industries in and around Delhi contribute to air pollution.
- Emissions from factories release pollutants into the air, including particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides.
- Construction Activities
- Dust from construction sites is a major source of particulate matter in the air.
- The ongoing construction and infrastructure development in the city can contribute to elevated levels of dust.
- Biomass Burning
- The burning of agricultural residues in nearby states, especially during the post-harvest season, leads to the transport of pollutants to Delhi.
- This significantly impacts air quality.
- Meteorological Factors
- Weather conditions, particularly during the winter months, can lead to the trapping of pollutants near the ground.
- Temperature inversions and calm wind conditions can result in the accumulation of pollutants.
- Stubble Burning
- During the post-monsoon season, the burning of crop residues in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana is a major contributor to Delhi’s air pollution.
- Geographical Factors
- Delhi’s geographical location, surrounded by states with various sources of pollution, can lead to the inflow of pollutants from neighbouring regions.
- Household Sources
- The use of solid fuels for cooking and heating in some households contributes to indoor air pollution.
- While this directly affects indoor air quality, it can also have an impact on the overall air quality in the city.
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