An analysis by a climate monitoring group has revealed that the policy measures undertaken to improve the faltering air quality might not be effective.
“Despite policy measures and intense media and public debate every year, there is speculation whether policy measures in Delhi, Punjab and Haryana are having impact or not,” a media briefing prepared by Climate Trends — a Delhi-based strategic communications firm mentioned.
The briefing used data from National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s [NASA] Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite and ran it concurrently with wind and temperature profile data from the Central Pollution Control Board.
It noted that a reduction in the incidence of farm fires is 47.8 per cent in Punjab and 38.04 per cent in Haryana between 2022 and 2023 for the period October 1 to November 5.
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As per the briefing, Sangrur has emerged as the highest performing district in Punjab with 46 per cent reduction, where fire count was 4,287 in 2022 and is 2,295 in 2023. Meanwhile, in Haryana, Kaithal with 591 fires in 2022 ranked lowest and Fatehabad with 312 in 2023.
“Analysing the wind trajectory data reveals a strong correlation between the wind direction originating from Punjab and Haryana and the resulting pollution levels in Delhi. Wind carries pollution from Punjab and Haryana to Delhi 81% of the times, based on the wind trajectory for October 2023,” it added.
Aarti Khosla, Director, Climate Trends, was quoted in the briefing as stating that while farm fires and festivities are often the trigger for high air pollution in Delhi during October-November, year round polluting sources of power plants, industries, traffic and construction have to be managed to find any meaningful results.
“Our analysis shows that the delicate balance of wind speed, year round air pollution, and seasonal stubble burning all have a role to play in creating this annual cocktail of noxious gases,” she added.
