The capital region Delhi and it’s neighborhood areas have been witnessing a thick blanket of smog since many days. Increase in pollution has affected the visibility level also over the city and it’s adjoining parts. The weathermen at Skymet already predicted that the pollution will be at an extensive level. Had there been stubble burning at a large scale in Punjab and Haryana then, this would have further deteriorated the air quality.
Both, weather and human generated reasons are responsible for increased levels of pollution. We tried understanding these reasons and have listed 10 main reasons which are responsible for increased pollution levels and can be known as enemies of Delhi. As per Skymet Weather, the current weather scenario is favoring the existing pollution levels and human generated reasons are getting influenced by the same.
10 Reasons responsible for Delhi Pollution:
Temperature- When the minimum temperatures drop then the polluted particles and gases integrate with each other and are visible to the naked eye.
Humidity- Due to high levels of humidity, the lower levels of atmosphere gets enveloped by the ambient polluted particles and smoke.
Wind- The pollutants at lower levels are not able to disperse due to the light winds and smog can be easily seen.
Rain- Due to less rains or let’s say in absence of rains, the pollution levels tends to increase because the pollutants get settled in the atmosphere itself.
Sun- Sun helps to negate the pollution level available in the ambient atmosphere. Sadly, we are not being graced by beautiful sunshine since past few days.
Stubble Burning- Farmers of Punjab and Haryana burn the residual of Kharif crops during this time. Due to the crop burning, the smoke gets carried with winds to Delhi and it’s adjoining areas. Thus, leading to an increase in pollution level.
Vehicles- Delhi has a population of around 2 crores and amidst that the number of vehicles is solely around 1 crore comprising of cars, autorickshaws, buses etc. These vehicles emit harmful gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbon. As per the survey, the air quality deteriorates because the vehicles release half of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide and one fourth of hydrocarbon in the ambient atmosphere.
Factories- Factories produce air pollution by burning fuels, carrying out chemical processes and releasing dust and other particulates.
Landfill- Landfill pollution is a worst pollution. If these landfills catch fire, then they release hazardous gases in the environment. This type of pollution is quite bad as people who live around this area catches breathing diseases and stinking of garbage also keeps polluting the air.
Construction- Construction activities like demolition, burning, land clearing etc. contribute to air pollution. Operation of diesel engine is responsible for emitting harmful gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide.
As per weathermen, inhabitants of Delhi and people living in poor air quality areas are advised to wear masks. All physical outdoor activities such as jogging, walking, running, playing etc should be avoided for some time.
Image Credit: Active India, Quora, Scroll, The Indian Express, The Independent, Union of Concerned Scientists, UC Susa, Sciencing, Medium
Please Note: Any information picked from here must be attributed to skymetweather.com