Northern Indian states witness a significant spike in air pollution

The full-scale resumption of economic activities in the country after a hiatus of two years has yet again led to the deterioration of the air quality in the cities.

A recent report from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has indicated a sharp rise in air pollution in the northern states of India. The Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 levels in capital cities including Delhi, Lucknow, Patna and Chandigarh were significantly higher as compared to the previous year.

The data from the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) has recorded average PM 2.5 levels of 105 ug/m3 and 67 ug/m3 in Delhi and Patna respectively, for the month of October. This meant that the levels remained above CPCB's daily safe limits of 60 ug/m3.

Reportedly, the primary causes for the deterioration in air quality include vehicular and industrial emissions with increased stubble burning paired with the high-pressure meteorology of the winter season.

Following the trend from the past three years, the highest concentration of PM 2.5 levels is usually seen in the months of November and December. This means that the worst of the seasons with even poorer AQI is maybe ahead of us.