India’s capital Delhi has experienced some of its worst levels of pollution in many years this winter.
It’s been blamed on various factors including the burning of farm stubble, on factory emissions, on traffic fumes, on general weather patterns, as well as the fireworks that light up the night sky during the Diwali festival.
But how much do each of these factors contribute to the problem?
At the start of December, air pollution levels have once again been categorised as ‘severe’.
Data for the month of November shows air quality has been at its worst since India introduced its air quality index in 2015.
Atmospheric levels of harmful small particles which can be inhaled – known as PM2.5 – are currently far above international guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
I – Word Understanding
Farm stubble – base part of plants that remain attached to the soil after harvest
Fumes – smoke, vapor or gas
Diwali Festival – one of the major religious festivals in India lasting for 5 days around late October to early November. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness
II – Have Your Say
1, Are you aware of the severe air condition in India? What are your own concerns about the air quality from where you live?
2, Share your thoughts on the following factors that affect air quality and how we can minimize air pollution:
1, Seasonal burning of farm stubbles to prepare for the next planting season
2, Fireworks
3, Vehicle emissions
4, Factories
5, Household activities
