Will weather aid in Delhi’s pollution fight like last year? Unlikely, say experts
According to an analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment, last winter, the average PM 2.5 level in the city was the lowest from 2018-19 onwards.
Meanwhile, satellite data from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) shows that Punjab has recorded 456 crop residue burning events so far this season, while there have been 120 such instances in Haryana. (Express File Photo) With the paddy harvest and instances of stubble burning having picked up pace in the northern districts of Punjab, and winter around the corner, how is Delhiās air quality likely to fare this winter?
According to experts, the meteorological factors that helped keep Delhiās air cleaner than usual last winter may not extend into the upcoming winter.
Gufran Beig, founder-project director, System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), said, āLast year, there were natural factors that came to NCRās rescue. Wind speeds were higher for a majority of the time. But this year, that is unlikely because La Nina conditions are not there. Last year, due to La Nina conditions, winds in the northern part of India were faster, while it was calmer over the southwestern part of the country. That is one of the reasons that in the southwest, in Mumbai and other places, air quality had worsened. But in Delhi it was better relative to the previous year. This is unlikely in an El Nino year. This year, festivals are also around the time when it is colder. Steps will have to be taken.ā
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