Delhi Breathes Easier as Rain Clears Pollution

Delhi Breathes Easier as Rain Clears Pollution

VoM News Desk | November 10, 2023 | 11:30 AM IST | Climate & Environment, Delhi, Health | Follow on Google News

Delhi Breathes Easier as Rain Clears Pollution

Delhi Breathes Easier as Rain Clears Pollution

Delhi has witnessed a significant improvement in air quality following overnight rainfall, breaking a streak of hazardous pollution levels that plagued the city for over a week.

AQI Shows Promising Decline

Early morning measures indicated an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 408, a notable improvement from the 437 recorded on Thursday afternoon. This positive trend is anticipated to continue and be reflected in the AQI values as they update throughout the day.

Meteorological Shifts Aid in Pollution Reduction

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecasted this improvement in air quality, attributing it to favorable weather patterns, including light precipitation just before Diwali. A shift in wind direction and an incoming western disturbance were also predicted to play a role in diminishing the smoke from stubble burning, which is a significant contributor to Delhi’s air pollution.

Wind Movement to Enhance Air Quality Pre-Diwali

Post the western disturbance, a surge in wind velocity is expected, rising from the current 5-6 kilometers per hour to around 15 kilometers per hour by November 11. This increase is likely to aid in the dispersion of pollutants, offering respite before the Diwali celebrations.

Stubble Burning and Transportation: Key Contributors to Pollution

Data indicate that stubble burning in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana was responsible for 38% of Delhi’s air pollution on Wednesday, which decreased to 33% on Thursday and is projected to drop to 16% by Friday. Additionally, transportation remains a constant pollution source, contributing between 12 to 14%.

City Government Considers Artificial Rain Strategy

With air quality levels becoming a growing concern, Delhi’s government is considering artificial rain through cloud seeding around November 20-21 to mitigate pollution. This plan will be proposed to the Supreme Court amid ongoing cases concerning the air pollution crisis.

Educational Institutions Adjust to Pollution Challenge

In response to the deteriorating air quality, the local government has rescheduled the December winter break for schools, advancing it to November 9-18, to protect students from the adverse effects of the polluted air.

VoM News Desk

VoM News is an online web portal in jammu Kashmir offers regional, National & global news.