First, understand the differences in the AQI recorded at different stations in the four cities. That is, the number between the cleanest air and the dirtiest air. This is today’s data. The document was issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Mumbai… 41 to 139
bangalore… 37 to 146
chennai… 76 to 185
Kolkata… 67 to 94
Got it now The situation in Delhi… 189 to 327. Delhi’s pollution levels are twice or more than any other station among the four metropolitan cities. but why…
Also Read: Delhi Pollution: Delhi-NCR has become a ‘Sutta Bar’ due to pollution… People smoke 4 to 6 cigarettes a day but don’t smoke!
Five reasons for Delhi’s pollution…
1. Burning straw… begins to turn into poison.
Every year, the remaining parts of the previous crop are burned once cold weather sets in in Punjab and Haryana. This is called straw burning. The monsoon was delayed this time, so clearing of the previous crop and preparation for the next crop also started late. Therefore, stubble burning also started late in these states. This means it will last a long time.
2. Wind direction… poison delivery mission
Wind also contributes significantly to Delhi’s air pollution. This means the direction of the wind. Wind direction, wind speed and humidity, these three factors poison the lungs of the National Capital Region of Delhi. After monsoon and before winter, the wind blows from Haryana-Punjab towards Delhi. This wind comes from Pakistan. The amount of dust particles is relatively large.
Also read: The mystery of ‘Dirty Yamuna’: There are 400 rivers in the country, but why only the Yamuna has foam in its water? How and where does dirt start?
Accompanying this air are toxic fumes from burning straw. Because the monsoon has just passed, there is moisture in the air. The weather was heavy and smoke was visible everywhere. If the wind direction changes, the situation may improve.
3. Temperature changes…increase the effect of poisons
Due to frequent temperature changes in Delhi during the winter, pollution also increases. This is called a temperature inversion. Therefore, a layer of hot air forms above the cold air. Therefore, all contaminating elements remain only on the surface. Temperature changes may be caused by pollution from vehicles, industry, straw burning, etc.
4. Pollution caused by vehicles…the icing on the cake
Based on the city area, Delhi has a larger population. In addition, the number of vehicles is also very large. 25% of Delhi’s PM2.5 emissions are caused by vehicle pollution. Gases and chemicals emitted by industries in and around Delhi also contribute to changes in the atmosphere. Pollution increases.
Also Read: Mumbai Air Pollution: After Delhi, Mumbai’s air too is toxic, smog engulfs the sky, have a look
5. Other sources of pollution…exacerbating the problem
Use dry air from a dry area to polish the particles. Chemicals and emissions from burning firecrackers and burning household biomass during Diwali also add to winter pollution. According to a study by IIT Kanpur, 17-26% of particulate emissions in the National Capital Region of Delhi are caused by biomass burning.
Diwali is just around the corner now. There will be a 100% ban on firecrackers in Delhi on paper. But in reality this is impossible. Firecrackers will be set off in areas around Delhi. People won’t agree. As a result, pollution will increase to life-threatening levels. From clear skies in summer to hazy skies in winter, Delhi’s air keeps deteriorating.
Why doesn’t this happen in other big cities?
Mumbai…
coastal areas. The coolness of the seawater helps remove pollutants. There are fewer industrial jobs. There are fewer factories. Benefit from green cover areas like Sanjay Gandhi National Park and other lush green areas. Waste management is better than in Delhi. Due to its proximity to the sea, temperatures remain average. This means moderate temperatures and humidity.
bangalore…
It is known as the “Garden City”. Lots of greenery. garden. Urban land is generally located on higher ground. Therefore, contaminating elements are not stable. It is an IT center but with less polluting factories. Better waste management. The climate is great. Temperatures remain moderate. Humidity remains moderate.
chennai…
Mumbai and other coastal areas. Because the water is cooler, less polluting elements dissolve in the air. It’s windy. That’s why pollution doesn’t last. Industrial areas developed in the outer urban areas. Therefore, cities have less pollution. This is a historic commercial center. There is less industry. Waste management is good.
Kolkata…
During the monsoons, all the dirt and pollutants from here are washed away. A large area of ​​the Ganges seen from above. Make peace with the sea. Rivers reduce pollution. There are parks. There is a garden. There are wetlands. There is less industrial activity.
So why is only Delhi in trouble?
Delhi is a landlocked country. This means it is surrounded by land. Rivers are neither. Neither does the sea. This captures contamination. The population density is very high. Ongoing construction is ongoing. Construction continues across Delhi. Vehicles pollute too much. Stubble burning. The temperature changes. This prevents contamination. Take a look at the waste management for yourself… there are three mountains of waste in each. Rapid urbanization is happening.
