Delhi Air Pollution: Understanding a Crisis

One of the main reasons of increasing air pollution levels in Delhi is crop burning by the farmers by neighybouring states. Farmers burn rice stubbles in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. The wind carries all the pollutants and dust particles, which have got locked in the air.

Stubble Burning

Pollution caused by the traffic menace in Delhi is another reason contributing to this air pollution and smog. The air quality index has reached ‘severe’ levels. Vehicular emission is increasing the hazardous effects of air pollution and smog. 

Vehicular Emission

As winter sets in, dust particles and pollutants get locked in the air become unable to move. Due to stagnant winds, these pollutants get locked in the air affect weather conditions, resulting in smog.

Dust Particles

Another reason of air-pollution is over-population in the capital. Over-population only adds up to the various types of pollution, whether it is air pollution or noise pollution.

Over Population

Investing less on public infrastructure is another reason of air pollution. In India, investment in public transport and infrastructure is low which leads to congested roads, and hence air pollution.

City Congestion

Large scale construction in Delhi-NCR is another culprit that is increasing dust and pollution in the air. Considering the dipping air quality, a number of construction sites have stalled work, as directed by the Delhi Government.

Construction

Industrial pollution and garbage dumps are also increasing air pollution and building-up smog in the air.

Industrial Pollution

Despite the ban on cracker sales, firecrackers were a common sight this Diwali. It may not be the top reason for smog, but it definitely contributed to its build up.

Firecrackers