Pollution in Delhi has always been one of the major concerns of Delhi Government. To curb the rising pollution levels, the Supreme Court on October 9 has put a stay on the sale of fireworks until October 31.
On one hand, this ban got support from a few individuals, there are some who correlated this ban that came just 10 days prior to the most celebrated Diwali festival with the encroachment of the court on Hindu traditions, festivals, and faith.
However, the firecrackers are not the only reason for the continuous deteriorating air quality of Delhi and NCR. There are many other factors that contribute to the pollution level. Firstly, the weather conditions of Delhi and NCR are contributing in enhancing the pollution levels. At present, light winds from the northwest are blowing over Delhi and NCR.
Secondly, the stubble burning being practiced in Punjab and Haryana is also adding on to the pollution levels. As per Skymet Weather, both these states lie to the northwest of Delhi. Therefore, the smoke particles from the stubble burning over these states get carries towards Delhi and its adjoining Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad.
Moreover, now the minimums have also reduced resulting in clear nights. Due to this, during early morning hours, the earth’s surface cools down rapidly leading to the formation of mist and haze.
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The smoke particles over Punjab and Haryana as well as local pollution emitting from regular traffic, dust particles from construction sites and the local dust gets entangled with the haze and mist leading to smog or smoke haze formation.
In the absence of strong winds, this pollution in the form of smog or smoke haze becomes stagnant and remain suspended in the lower atmosphere near the earth’s surface which is what is being witnessed in parts of Delhi and NCR. Moreover, this pollution level is anticipated to increase further due to the depression which is forming over the Bay of Bengal.
This weather system is expected to form by October 18 or 19. In the wake of this, humid winds from the Bay of Bengal has also started reaching over Delhi and NCR resulting in an increase in the humidity levels thereby leading to an increase in the pollution levels as well. Additionally, the smoke from Diwali crackers will also contribute to the contamination levels.
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However, relief from the ongoing high pollution is in sight around October 23 or 24 when the depression forming over the Bay of Bengal will fade away and dry winds will start blowing from the northwest. The wind speed is also anticipated to increase and they may in the order of 15-20 kmph.
These dry and moderate winds will blow away the pollution layer. Though these winds will be coming via Punjab and Haryana, they will carry the smoke of stubble burring along with them but due to moderate wind speed, pollution will not remain stagnant over Delhi and NCR rather will be spread in a vast area which will give the much-needed relief.
Image Credit: IBTimes India
Any information taken from here should be credited to skymetweather.com