On Monday morning, November 18, 2024, the PM 2.5 level was at a staggering 907. According to IQAir pollution monitors, this level is 60 times higher than the daily limit set by the WHO, making it lethal. Just last week, Lahore broke all records with an AQI surpassing 1900. But what is the main culprit behind Delhi's pollution?
Delhi's geographical location subjects it to this annual ordeal. The local pollution stems primarily from the rapid increase in vehicles, countless industrial units, constant construction activities, ever-burning garbage heaps, diesel engines, air conditioners, and thermal plants.
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Source: aajtak
Back in 2000, Delhi had only 3.4 million vehicles. By 2021-22, this number had skyrocketed to over 12.2 million. Despite the ban on vehicles older than 15 years, around 8 million vehicles ply Delhi's streets daily, emitting toxic gases like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide.
Delhi's Natural Barrier to Pollution: The Geographical Challenge
Discussing its location, Delhi is landlocked, bordered by Rajasthan to the west, Pakistan-Afghanistan to the northwest, Punjab-Haryana to the north, and Uttarakhand to the east. Winds carry dust from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Rajasthan, mingling with residue smoke from crop burning.
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Source: aajtak
The notorious smoke originates from districts in Punjab-Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, coinciding with the cold season, when wind speed drops and humidity increases, trapping dust and smoke under the Himalayas. This results in a persistent layer of smog and fog over northern plains, escalating pollution levels, and causing accidents due to reduced visibility.
Delhi Produces 11,000 Tons of Waste Daily… Some of It Is Burned on Mountains of Trash
According to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the capital generates 11,000 tons of garbage daily, funneling to Ghazipur and Okhla landfill sites. Bio-mining projects of three tons and two tons each are planned there. In addition, several industries in the Delhi-NCR area consume 1.7 million tons of coal annually, leading to a significant greenhouse gas emission.
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Source: aajtak
Whether It's Delhi or Lahore... Five Main Reasons for Pollution:
1. Crop Burning...
With the onset of cold, Punjab and Haryana farmers burn remnants of previous crops, known as stubble burning. This year, a delayed monsoon led to a late cleanup of old crops and preparation for new ones, prolonging agriculture fires in these states.
2. Wind Direction...
The wind plays a significant role in spreading toxins in Delhi's air. Wind direction, speed, and humidity are three factors that intoxicate Delhi-NCR's lungs. After monsoon and before winter, winds blow from Haryana-Punjab towards Delhi, carrying fine dust particles from Pakistan along with toxic smoke from crop burning.
3. Temperature Inversion...
Temperature changes during Delhi's winter also contribute to pollution. Known as temperature inversion, cold air gets trapped under warm air, preventing pollutants from dispersing. Vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and stubble burning can all instigate these changes.
Source: aajtak
4. Vehicle Emissions...
Delhi's population is vast compared to its geographic area, with an equally high number of vehicles. Twenty-five percent of PM2.5 emission is due to vehicle pollution. Emissions from industries and factories around Delhi also contribute to atmospheric changes and pollution.
5. Other Sources...
Sandy particles arrive with dry air from arid regions, chemicals from fireworks during Diwali, and domestic biomass burning. According to an IIT Kanpur study, 17-26% of PM emissions in Delhi-NCR come from biomass burning.
