Delhi is once again battling severe levels of pollution, with the city’s air quality reaching a dangerous level. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has been entrusted with the important responsibility of monitoring pollution and guiding various states to take appropriate measures. Stubble burning is considered the main cause of air pollution in Punjab and Haryana, but despite the ban on stubble burning this year, the pollution level in Delhi is breaking records this year.
One of the key factors identified by the CAQM for the dangerous increase in pollution is the unusual weather pattern observed in November. In an exclusive conversation with India Today, SD Attri, technical member of the Commission, said that the dense fog in November last year greatly changed the seasonal activities. Dense fog, which was previously unusual in this period, has severely affected air quality, exacerbating the pollution crisis in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
Why do people suffocate in Delhi?
The increase in the level of pollution in the last two weeks has caused the Commission great concern. So the focus is again on weather conditions, as it is an important factor. SD Atri said that in the last 20 years, on average, dense fog was recorded for half a day in November. However, this year, persistent and intense smog has complicated the situation, causing an increase in pollution levels, which is a major problem for people’s health.
In recent years, the challenges of rising global temperatures and climate change are becoming increasingly visible in urban environments around the world. Atreya, a seasoned expert associated with the Indian Meteorological Department for several decades, explained how these global events contribute significantly to rising pollution levels in Delhi.
Pollution also increased due to the lack of rain
Generally, in the months of October and November it rains in the plains of India due to western disturbances. However, this year it has not rained. The lack of rain has destroyed a natural mechanism that usually helps disperse pollutants and improve air quality. The lack of rain has worsened the pollution crisis in Delhi, where air quality has fallen to dangerous levels.
Speaking to India Today, Attri highlighted the challenges faced by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in monitoring and controlling pollution levels. Although the Commission is closely monitoring the situation, it is almost impossible to control meteorological and atmospheric factors. These factors play an important role in determining the dispersion and concentration of contaminants. Every element, from wind speed to direction, affects how pollutants arrive and settle in Delhi. Unfortunately, these factors have not been favorable in the last two weeks, leading to stagnant air and increased pollution.
The information provided by the CAQM highlights the complexity of addressing air pollution in Delhi and similar urban areas. As global warming and climate change continue to alter weather patterns, it is imperative that policymakers consider these factors when designing solutions to manage air quality. Long-term strategies must include climate resilience to effectively combat the pollution challenges posed by these global problems.
