New Delhi, November 5
A day after Diwali, toxic smog descended across North India, including Delhi-NCR, as people flouted firecrackers’ ban imposed by state governments. However, aided by weather conditions and anthropogenic activities, including burning of stubble with emissions from farm fires peaking at “36 per cent”, most cities across the Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP) are recording air pollution levels in ‘very poor’ and ‘hazardous’ categories
According to data compiled by ‘Climate Trends’, delayed monsoon withdrawal and the La Nina factor have combined to impact meteorological conditions favourable for poor air quality across the Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP), and result in a possible “record-breaking cold” in December and January.
As La Nina makes an appearance for the second time in a row, meteorologists say many parts of North can expect to see prolonged spells of pollution in coming months. A lower number of crop residue-burning incidents and widespread rain and snow in October kept pollution under check until recently, but the situation is changing.
While changing weather pattern have the imprint of anthropogenic activities, experts warn that the La Nina factor is all “set to bring record-breaking low temperatures during December and January”.
“Haryana has already surpassed the fire counts registered last year for crop residue burning, followed by Uttar Pradesh which is catching up fast with the count in 2020. Seeing the trend in other states, Punjab is expected to pick up pace in the coming days as well”, they say
“This winter chill is likely to aggravate air pollution across IGP, which will be further aggravated by seasonal spikes like the delayed peak of stubble-burning season due to extended stay of Monsoon 2021, and firecrackers on Diwali”, they add.
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