AIR QUALITY CRISIS OF NORTH INDIA - ENVIRONMENT

AIR QUALITY CRISIS OF NORTH INDIA - ENVIRONMENT

NEWS: The curbs put in place to tackle the air pollution in the Delhi- NCR are  significantly impacting businesses across North India.

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

Current Air Quality Crisis in Northern India

  • Record-breaking Pollution: Several cities in northern India, including New Delhi, are experiencing "severe-plus" air quality, with PM2.5 levels exceeding 500 µg/m³.
  • Visibility Issues: Thick smog has reduced visibility significantly.
  • Unanticipated Peak: Despite reduced stubble burning (70-80% lower) and favorable early November weather, pollution spiked unexpectedly in the second week.

Contributing Factors to Worsening Air Quality

  • Boundary Layer Dynamics:
    • A polluted air blanket at 500 meters above the ground descended due to cooler temperatures at night, worsening air quality.
    • Models indicate this downward intrusion intensified pollution levels during the day.
  • External Pollution Sources: Local emissions alone cannot explain the sharp rise; fossil fuels, domestic emissions, and external pollution sources are implicated.
  • Stagnation Conditions: Lack of dispersion due to stagnant weather worsened pollution impact even with reduced fire counts.

Role of Climate Change and Weather Patterns

  • Unusual Climatic Trends:
    • Warmest October on record and uncertainty around La Niña onset.
    • La Niña, which enhances wind circulation, has been delayed but expected to improve air quality eventually.
  • Climate’s Impact: Changing patterns create challenges for air quality management, necessitating multidisciplinary solutions.

Issues with Air Quality Index (AQI) Reporting

  • Inconsistencies in AQI Readings:
    • Private agencies report AQI values exceeding 1,000-1,500, while official figures cap at 500, creating public confusion.
    • India’s AQI breakpoints differ from stringent WHO guidelines, impacting transparen
  • Breakpoint Cap Criticism: Official AQI guidelines fail to account for pollutant concentrations exceeding 500, limiting the representation of true air quality levels.

  • Stubble Burning and Detection Challenges

    • Timing Shift Allegation:
      • Claims that farmers have shifted stubble burning times to avoid NASA satellite detection.
      • Evidence from Korean satellite (GEO-KOMPSAT 2A) suggests local smoke clouds in the late afternoon.
    • Call for Local Analysis: Advocated use of Indian geostationary satellites (INSAT-3D/3DR) for real-time monitoring to verify claims and reduce dependency on NASA data.

    Recommendations for Improved Air Quality Management

    • Independent Monitoring Systems:
      • Leverage ISRO satellites for high-resolution air quality data.
      • Advocate for launching dedicated air quality satellites.
    • Integrated Resource Framework:
      • Develop strategies combining air quality and climate factors.
      • Prioritize health-centric measures over short-term fixes.
    • Policy and Transparency: Enhance transparency in AQI reporting and update AQI frameworks to align with global standards.
    • Scientific Integration: Promote collaboration between scientific, environmental, and health sectors for sustainable air quality management.

    Broader Implications and Call to Action

    • Global Relevance: Highlights the interconnectedness of air quality, climate change, and public health.
    • Long-Term Vision: Emphasizes the need for a green blueprint addressing immediate concerns while ensuring long-term sustainability.