Three Indian cities were included on a list of the world’s most polluting cities, released by Swiss air purifier firm IQAir, one day after Deepavali was observed throughout the nation. Delhi Tops among them.
Delhi, with an air quality index (AQI) of 287 on November 13, was the most polluted city in the world, followed by Lahore, Pakistan, at 195. Mumbai came in at number 153 and Kolkata at number 166 in the list of the ten most polluted cities. Data from 109 nations are measured by IQAir’s AQI, and levels are updated hourly. It is based on the US approach and differs somewhat from the Indian methodology.
The numbers represent the amounts of PM [particulate matter] 2.5, which is thought to be the most hazardous to respiratory health. Even though fireworks pollution is more transient than that from more long-lasting causes like burning biomass, garbage, and cars, it nevertheless has a significant negative impact on public health.
According to data from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, firecrackers fired on Sunday night resulted to certain areas of Delhi having air pollution 30 times higher than the permissible threshold set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This is in spite of the city’s prohibition on firecrackers.
Continuing worry about Delhi Air Pollution
As of Monday, the most recent data available from these cities indicated that the quality of the air is getting worse. Several monitoring stations reported a value of 400, which is considered to be in the “severe” category.
Based on the data from the Center’s Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi. Tuesday and Wednesday’s air quality is expected to be classified as “severe.” The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) states that air pollution in the “severe” category “affects healthy people.” And “seriously impacts those with existing diseases.”
Climate Trends and Respirer Living Sciences conducted a collaborative investigation on Deepavali day. Examining pollution levels throughout India in many locations. The results showed that Patna, Bihar, had the highest average PM 2.5 pollution, with 206 micrograms/cubic meter. Similar to the IQAir rating, on the day following Deepavali, Delhi is listed as the most polluting city.
The survey also said that Bengaluru’s PM 2.5 readings were lower than those of Deepavali (October 24) of the previous year, out of the 11 cities that were examined.
“Stop using firecrackers”
“Firecrackers in several cities have however caused already-poor average PM 2.5 levels to exceed limits.” According to our data, the reduction in pollutants that resulted from rain was undone by massive burning. Which was done in violation of the directives issued by the Supreme Court. Aarti Khosla, Director, of Climate Trends, stated that the cracker business has to phase out and that big cities. Like Delhi shouldn’t be however forced to shoulder the weight of public health under the guise of petty traditionalism. We might observe the communal fireworks or lamp lighting, as is customary in Ayodhya.
Emergency measures were put in place last week due to the dangerous air quality in Delhi, which the Centre linked to Punjab’s stubble burning. These also included plans to implement odd-even automobile usage restrictions and conduct an artificial rain experiment. Unexpected rain increased the quality of the air by more than 100%.
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