Winter in Delhi is earmarked by a significant drop in air quality levels. It’s that time of the year again when Delhiites are more than willing to let the sun kiss them. The winter chill is settling in, and as we prepare to face the season of bitter cold, our attention must shift to air pollution in Delhi. Air pollution in Delhi has already reached alarming levels.
Recently, a study carried out by Germany’s Max Planck Institute of Chemistry revealed that air pollution in Delhi is likely to lead to 30,000 premature deaths by 2025. These figures reverberate the growing concern of numerous climate and weather scientists across the globe; Delhi must do something about its air quality levels.
Science too supports the argument that air pollution in Delhi takes its toll during winters. Indoor as well as outdoor pollution leads to higher levels of particulate matter and other pollutants. In every other season, warm air close to the surface of the earth rises easily and carries away pollutants. In addition to this, a few rains showers and windy conditions also help in dispersing the pollutants. However, during winters, cold air gets trapped close to the surface of the earth. This prevents the air pollutants to rise and disperse. Moreover, an additional warmer layer acts like a lid and keeps the pollutants down. Thus, temperature inversion takes place, and air quality reaches unhealthy and often hazardous levels. Now a storm or a good spell of rain scrubs off these pollutants and help clean the air.
But winter storms are a rarity in Delhi-NCR region and the frequency of rain showers is also low. Thus Delhi and adjoining areas are left with a thick blanket of pollutants which has serious implications on health and environment. As responsible citizens, we must contemplate our role in countering air pollution in the national capital. The mere representation of facts and figures will not bring down pollution levels in the region. But initiatives like the Car-free day can help control air pollution in the city. Winter is coming and it’s bringing much worse air quality levels for Delhi. We urge our readers to understand the gravity of the situation and do their bit.
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