Even before the onset of winter, the air quality in Delhi has become very bad. The AQI in Delhi has crossed 400, but this time the situation is believed to be a little less bad than last year. At the same time, this time Pakistan’s Lahore is facing the dangerous blow of pollution. The air in Pakistan has become stifling and the AQI there has reached 1,500.
In such a situation, the question is what has happened this time because the pollution in Delhi is slightly less and the air in Lahore has become very bad. So let us tell you about the factor that has shifted pollution from India to Pakistan…
What is the situation in Delhi now?
The pollution level has increased significantly in Delhi. The AQI level in Delhi has deteriorated significantly, putting it in the ‘very poor’ category. Today, the average AQI of Delhi was recorded at 384. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI in Anand Vihar has crossed the mark of 400, which today, i.e. November 5, was recorded at 457 around 7 a.m., which falls into the “severe” category. An AQI above 350 was also recorded on Monday. At the same time, an AQI of 440 was recorded in Jahangirpuri, Delhi.
However, this time the situation is less bad than before, that is, normally at this time there is a lot of pollution, which this time is less. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai also said that the pollution situation is better this time compared to last year. Recently, Gopal Rai had said that on October 29 last year, the AQI was 397 and on October 29 this year, the AQI was 325. That means pollution has improved. We are trying to improve it.
What is the situation in Lahore?
Now let’s talk about the situation in Lahore. The situation in Lahore, Pakistan is bad due to pollution. The ICA in Lahore has reached well over 1000. Now the Lahore administration has declared vacation in schools for a week. Additionally, water will be sprayed on the roads of Lahore and construction work has been asked to stop. Additionally, people have been asked to work from home and wear masks. According to many reports, the AQI level in Lahore has reached 1700-1800.
Why did the situation change?
However, Pakistan blames India for this pollution. Pakistan says we are facing pollution in Lahore due to easterly winds coming from India. Pakistan also said that we do not blame anyone, this is a natural phenomenon. In fact, pollution in northern India and eastern Pakistan increases every winter. The reasons are stubble burning by farmers, coal-fired power plants, traffic and lack of wind. Because of this, a yellow haze appears in the sky.
Following this accusation from Pakistan, India has responded. The IMD reported that two days after Diwali and thereafter the prevailing wind was from the northwest, i.e. the wind was blowing from west to east at a speed of about 15 km/h, so there was no sign of pollution in the direction of Pakistan. .
What is the wind game?
Let us tell you that easterly winds are the main cause of air pollution in both Delhi and Lahore. This wind carries smoke from stubble burning in many nearby states, including Punjab, directly towards these cities. After this, fog forms due to the cold and the air quality is greatly affected. In winter, atmospheric conditions trap pollution in the air and, due to lack of wind, it remains in a chamber-shaped place. However, changing the direction of the wind causes more pollution in that direction.
