Delhi’s air quality is in the news once again. Smog continues to envelop the city as thousands battle with respiratory problems and infections. Although rain over parts of North India during the next two days will bring down pollution levels, the conditions are likely to worsen next week.
The extended paddy harvesting season translates into more 'burnings'. It means that despite getting some relief due to rains, pollution levels in Delhi will nosedive once again next week. This illegal practice, of preparing fields for the sowing season by burning them flat, is harmful to the soil also. It also causes large-scale environmental damage, along with medical problems.
As per Skymet Meteorology Division in India, Delhi’s pollution crisis depends on a number of factors. Vehicular pollution is surely the main culprit, but other factors like the national capital’s location, also contribute towards poor air quality levels. Dust storms in Rajasthan and illegal burning of fields in Punjab and Haryana are hugely responsible for hazy and smoggy conditions in NCR.
Lately, Delhi-NCR region has witnessed a significant rise in the number of respiratory cases. The air, during winters, turns thick and more toxic due to various reasons. This makes life difficult for people with a medical history pertaining to breathing problems and allergies. Cases of chronic pulmonary obstruction and pneumonia aggravation are common in winters.
Meanwhile, on the administrative front, deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia has once again stressed on the need to implement effective and efficient counter-measures to control air pollution. The Air Quality Index across various stations in Delhi is beyond the 'very poor' mark. In places like Anand Vihar and Punjabi Bagh, the AQI has crossed the mark of 400, which is four times the satisfactory limit of 100.
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