Causes of Smog in North India

Context

Northern India is witnessing early smog this winter, raising concerns about air quality and health.

 

Factors Contributing to Early Smog Formation

1. Weather-Related Factors:
   • Weak Western Disturbances:
     • Weak weather systems have brought moisture into the plains, creating conditions conducive to smog formation.
   • Atmospheric Inversion:
     • Lower temperatures and weaker sunlight during winter cause inversion layers, trapping pollutants close to the ground.
   • Slow Wind Speed:
     • Wind speeds as low as 1 km/h after Diwali prevent the dispersion of pollutants.
   • Limited Rainfall:
     • Reduced precipitation has led to insufficient natural cleansing of the atmosphere, allowing pollutants to linger.
2. Human-Induced Factors:
   • Stubble Burning:
     • Farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh burn crop residues, releasing fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other pollutants into the air.
   • Vehicular Emissions:
     • High vehicular traffic contributes significantly to smog through the release of nitrogen dioxide and PM2.5.
   • Industrial Emissions:
     • Factories and thermal power plants emit pollutants, including sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, compounding air quality issues.
3. Seasonal and Climatic Trends:
   • Typical Seasonal Occurrence:
     • Smog generally appears in late November but is occurring earlier due to changing weather patterns.
   • Climate Change:
     • Altered weather patterns and rising global temperatures contribute to unseasonable smog and prolonged pollution episodes.

 

Implications of Early Smog

• Health Hazards:
  • Increased respiratory and cardiovascular issues due to higher exposure to fine particulate matter.
• Economic Impact:
  • Reduced labor productivity, healthcare costs, and potential disruptions to transportation.
• Agricultural Effects:
  • Reduced sunlight affects crop growth in smog-affected areas.

 

Way Forward

1. Policy Interventions:
   • Strengthen regulations on stubble burning and incentivize alternative methods like happy seeders.
2. Vehicular and Industrial Controls:
   • Promote electric vehicles and ensure stricter emissions standards for industries.
3. Weather-Based Solutions:
   • Use artificial rainfall or sprinklers to clear pollutants during peak smog episodes.
4. Public Awareness:
   • Increase campaigns on reducing individual contributions to pollution (e.g., carpooling, using public transport).

 

[box] Discuss the impact of stubble burning on air quality in North India. What measures can be taken to reduce stubble burning and its contribution to smog formation? (250 words) [/box]