As Delhi chokes on bad air, other cities are not far behind
AS HEAVY smog enveloped Delhi for about 10 days following Diwali celebrations pushing the Delhi government to declare emergency measures, several smaller cities showed up as more polluted than the national capital. This is evident from the daily Air Quality Index (aqi) that the Central Pollution Control Board (cpcb) releases for 32 cities. Worse, there is absolute silence about pollution risks in these cities.
On October 29 and 30, Kanpur became the country’s most polluted city. It scored 487 and 480 on cpcb’s aqi. Delhi scored 404 and 431 on those days. Faridabad topped the list on five different occasions between November 1 and 7, with its aqi level hovering between 453 and 493. Over the next two days Lucknow topped the list—the capital city of Uttar Pradesh scored 491 on November 8 and 494 on November 9.
In fact, Lucknow’s air worsened by three times between Diwali and the day before the festival— the level of PM2.5 in the city’s atmosphere jumped from 248.2 µg/m 3 on October 29 to 672.2 µg/m 3 on October 30. The concentration of PM10 increased from 360.1 µg/m 3 to 863.8 µg/m 3 , show estimates by the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (iitr), Lucknow. Agra and Varanasi also reported high aqi levels during the period. Alok Dhaw, director of iitr, says pollution levels prevailing across north Indian states are alarming for both human and ecological health.
Such high concentrations of particulate matter in the atmosphere and calm weather make a perfect recipe for a dense smog, which is hazardous to health. As per cpcb, aqi level above 400 is considered “severe” air pollution. At this range, air pollution affects even healthy people and can seriously affect those suffering from diseases.
This story is from the November 16, 2016 edition of Down To Earth.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 16, 2016 edition of Down To Earth.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT
West Bengal's Bhanga Mela (scrap fair) has pushed the limits of recycling. Organised every January at Mathurapur village in 24 South Parganas district, shops at the fair sell discarded electronic items, antiques and even non-functional goods that are in repairable condition.
A wild chase
BASED ON A 2015 PROBE THAT BUST A MAJOR IVORY SMUGGLING RACKET IN INDIA, POACHER PROVIDES A RARE GLIMPSE INTO THE WORK OF FOREST OFFICIALS
Suspect claims in Teva's suit against Cipla
The US Federal Trade Commission has warned the Israeli drug firm its patents are wrongful as it sues Cipla aggressively
WATER SCARREDCITY
Bengaluru's water crisis was long in the making. The city has grown at the cost of its lakes and ponds that are key to its water security. Over 93 per cent of the city is built-up, which makes groundwater recharge difficult. Inadequate sewage systems pollute the limited water available. Over the decades, the city has become dependent on the Cauvery, 100 km away, for 70 per cent of its water needs. This makes water unaffordable. It's time Bengaluru broadened its water resource base beyond the Cauvery and focused on recharging groundwater and reusing treated wastewater.
On guard
Communities in Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh reduce human-elephant conflicts using technology and proactive on-ground monitoring
Overlooked crisis
While there is much talk about climate migration, the world is without a legal framework to protect people displaced by weather disasters
Taking charge for water
A young sarpanch in Maharashtra helps his village residents avail drinking water at home
International Women's Day Special SHE
In India, women self-help groups have been a source of empowerment, fostering economic independence, social stature and community resilience.
MODERATELY YOURS
The crunchy, slightly sweet tubers of shankhalu can be a healthy addition to one's diet
TROUBLED TEAK
Farmers need to be sensitised about right planting materials and cultivation techniques to benefit from high-value teak plantations