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पटाखों पर नहीं बल्कि हवा, सन एड सिटी पर रोक Continue reading at https://careermotions.com/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%9F%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%96%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%82-%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0-%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%82-%E0%A4%AC%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BF-%E0%A4%

राष्ट्रीय राजधानी में दिवाली पर पूरे शहर में पटाखों का बेधड़क इस्तेमाल देखा गया, लेकिन शहर में खुलेआम उल्लंघन के बाद जहरीली हवाएं चलीं, क्योंकि तेज हवाओं ने सोमवार की शाम को शहर की हवा को बंद करने वाले अधिकांश प्रदूषकों को बहा दिया। वायु गुणवत्ता सूचकांक (एक्यूआई) की रीडिंग दिवाली के अगले दिन मामूली बेहतर थी – 2015 में सिस्टम शुरू होने के बाद पहली बार – सोमवार को 312 से गिरकर मंगलवार को 303 हो गई। लेकिन विशेषज्ञों ने इस असामान्य सुधार को सोमवार की शाम के दौरान पश्चिम से चलने वाली लगातार तेज हवाओं और मंगलवार की धूप से प्रभावित किया, जिसने प्रदूषकों को तितर-बितर करने के लिए जमीन के तापमान को पर्याप्त रूप से बढ़ा दिया। उन्होंने कहा कि अगर यह परिस्थितियों के लिए नहीं था, तो दिल्ली की वायु गुणवत्ता खतरनाक स्तर तक बढ़ सकती थी, शहर भर में पटाखों पर प्रतिबंध के उल्लंघन के कारण, जिसने शहर को धुंध के ढेर में रॉकेट, अनार (फूलों के गमले), चाखरी के रूप में ढक दिया था। ग्राउंड स्पिनर), रॉकेट, फूलजादी (स्पार्कलर) और लाड़ियां (बम की माला) गलियों और गलियों से हट गईं, पुलिस ने कान और आंखें मूंद लीं। पटाखों की आवाज़ पूरी शाम, और देर रात तक गूंजती रही – पुलिस कार्रवाई के रास्ते में बहुत कम, दिल्ली सरकार द्वारा पहले निवासियों को छह महीने की जेल की सजा के लिए चेतावनी देने के बावजूद, यदि वे कंबल प्रतिबंध का उल्लंघन करते पाए गए, जो था शहर की वार्षिक दीवाली के बाद हवाई आपातकाल को फिर से शुरू करने से बचने के लिए सितंबर की शुरुआत में लगाया गया था। दिल्ली पुलिस के प्रवक्ताओं ने प्रतिबंध लगाने में ढील पर टिप्पणी मांगने के अनुरोधों का जवाब नहीं दिया, न ही उन्होंने पटाखों के इस्तेमाल के लिए दीवाली के दिन की गई गिरफ्तारी या प्राथमिकी पर विशिष्ट डेटा का खुलासा किया। दिल्ली पुलिस दिल्ली सरकार के अधीन नहीं आती है, और केंद्र सरकार को रिपोर्ट करती है। विशेषज्ञों का कहना है कि अक्टूबर के पहले सप्ताह में तीन दिन की देरी से हुई मानसूनी बारिश ने पंजाब और हरियाणा में खेतों में आग लगाने में देरी की, विशेषज्ञों ने कहा कि यह एक प्रारंभिक दिवाली (जिसे अक्सर नवंबर में मनाया जाता है) के साथ मिलकर कम करने के लिए जमीन तैयार की। -सामान्य से अधिक प्रदूषण। “जबकि इस साल एक्यूआई काफी कम रहा है, यह ज्यादातर दीवाली की शुरुआत, अक्टूबर की शुरुआत में बारिश और अनुकूल मौसम संबंधी कारकों के कारण है। अच्छी हवा की गति, जो मंगलवार को भी जारी रही, ने आम तौर पर हर दिवाली के बाद देखे जाने वाले प्रदूषण में स्पाइक को नियंत्रित किया है। सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (सीएसई) में कार्यकारी निदेशक, अनुसंधान और वकालत अनुमिता रॉयचौधरी ने कहा, इस समय खेत में आग की संख्या भी काफी कम है और यह चरम अगले महीने आ सकता है। अपेक्षाकृत स्वच्छ हवा पर प्रतिक्रिया व्यक्त करते हुए, दिल्ली के मुख्यमंत्री अरविंद केजरीवाल ने मंगलवार को ट्वीट किया कि राजधानी अपनी वायु प्रदूषण की समस्या को ठीक करने के लिए “कड़ी मेहनत” कर रही है। “बहुत उत्साहजनक परिणाम रहे हैं लेकिन अभी भी एक लंबा रास्ता तय करना है। हम दिल्ली को दुनिया का सबसे अच्छा शहर बनाएंगे।” केंद्रीय प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड (सीपीसीबी) के एक्यूआई सिस्टम, जो 2015 से लागू है, के अनुसार दिवाली के एक दिन बाद दिल्ली में प्रदूषण का स्तर पहली बार गिर गया। पिछले साल, दिवाली के दिन (4 नवंबर) को एक्यूआई 382 से बढ़कर 462 (गंभीर) हो गया था। 2020 में, यह दिवाली पर 414 से बढ़कर 435 हो गया। हालांकि, दिवाली के दिन ही दिल्ली का एक्यूआई भी दूसरा सबसे कम था, जिसे 7 नवंबर, 2018 को 281 के पढ़ने से पीछे छोड़ दिया गया था। उस वर्ष, प्रदूषण का स्तर अगले दिन 390 तक पहुंच गया। दिल्ली प्रदूषण नियंत्रण समिति (डीपीसीसी) ने अपने दिवाली विश्लेषण में कहा कि शहर की हवा में पीएम2.5 की सांद्रता पिछले साल की तुलना में इस दिवाली 64% गिर गई, और पीएम10 का स्तर 57% गिर गया। “इस बीच एक्यूआई ने पिछले साल की तुलना में इस दीवाली में 30% की गिरावट देखी है। दिल्ली के सभी स्टेशनों में भी पिछले साल की तुलना में PM2.5 और PM10 एकाग्रता में गिरावट दर्ज की गई है। DPCC के आंकड़ों से पता चला है कि प्रदूषण का स्तर, PM2.5 के संदर्भ में, दिल्ली के ओखला चरण 2 में चरम पर पहुंच गया, जहां प्रदूषकों का स्तर मध्यरात्रि में 1,042 माइक्रोग्राम प्रति घन मीटर के औसत स्तर को छू गया – राष्ट्रीय दैनिक सुरक्षित सीमा का लगभग 17 गुना। इसके बाद पूसा का स्थान रहा, जो आधी रात को 990 माइक्रोग्राम प्रति घन मीटर के उच्चतम स्तर पर पहुंच गया। दीपावली की शाम को करोल बाग शहर का सबसे शोर वाला हिस्सा था, डीपीसीसी ने अपनी रिपोर्ट में कहा, 82 डीबी (ए) की औसत रीडिंग के साथ, आवासीय क्षेत्रों में 55 डीबी (ए) की सीमा से काफी अधिक, यह दर्शाता है कि पटाखा प्रतिबंध के उल्लंघन की भी संभावना थी। मध्य दिल्ली के इलाकों में दूसरों की तुलना में अधिक व्याप्त है। रिपोर्ट में कहा गया है कि उत्तर-पश्चिम दिल्ली में जहांगीरपुरी (81.8 डीबी (ए)) और पटपड़गंज (81.5) दिवाली पर शहर के दूसरे और तीसरे सबसे अधिक शोर वाले क्षेत्र थे। यह सुनिश्चित करने के लिए, जबकि पटाखों का उपयोग पिछले साल की तुलना में कम हुआ है या नहीं, यह निर्धारित करने का कोई तरीका नहीं है, दिल्ली सरकार ने अनुमान लगाया कि उपयोग 30% कम हो गया है। इसके अलावा, दिल्ली में पटाखे मुक्त रूप से उपलब्ध नहीं थे, प्रतिबंध के कारण, जिसने प्रतिबंधित पदार्थों की आपूर्ति को रोक दिया और विक्रेताओं को अपने योगदान को छिपाने के लिए मजबूर किया, या लोगों को खरीदारी करने के लिए अन्य एनसीआर शहरों की यात्रा करने के लिए मजबूर किया। पटाखों के उपयोग पर प्रतिबंध लगाने वाले अन्य भारतीय शहरों के साक्ष्य से लगता है कि प्रतिबंधों और प्रतिबंधों का हवा पर सकारात्मक प्रभाव पड़ता है। ऐसे शहरों में दिवाली के अगले दिन एक्यूआई में गिरावट उन शहरों की तुलना में कम थी जहां पटाखों के इस्तेमाल पर कोई रोक नहीं थी। उदाहरण के लिए, पटना में, जहां पटाखों पर पूर्ण प्रतिबंध था, एक्यूआई केवल मामूली रूप से बढ़ा, दिवाली पर 153 से अगले दिन 172 हो गया। जयपुर में, जहां तथाकथित “ग्रीन” पटाखों के उपयोग की अनुमति रात 8 बजे से 10 बजे के बीच दी गई थी, एक्यूआई 130 से 262 पर पहुंच गया। लखनऊ, जिसमें पटाखों के उपयोग पर कोई प्रतिबंध नहीं था, ने 137 से 246 तक एक्यूआई छलांग देखी। प्रारंभिक चेतावनी प्रणाली (ईडब्ल्यूएस) के अनुसार, जिसका उपयोग वायु गुणवत्ता प्रबंधन आयोग (सीएक्यूएम) ग्रेडेड रिस्पांस एक्शन प्लान (ग्रैप) पर पूर्व-खाली कार्रवाई करने के लिए करता है, दिल्ली में अगले तीन दिनों के लिए एक्यूआई बने रहने की संभावना है। “बहुत खराब” श्रेणी के निचले सिरे में, और अगले छह दिनों में “खराब” और “बहुत खराब” के बीच मंडराने की उम्मीद है।

No check on crackers but wind, sun aid city

The national capital witnessed the unfettered use of firecrackers across the city on Diwali, but the city was spared the toxic aftermath of flagrant violations as strong winds washed away much of the pollutants that choked the city’s air on Monday evening. The air quality index (AQI) reading was marginally better on the day after Diwali — a first since the system was started in 2015 — dropping from 312 on Monday to 303 on Tuesday. But experts pinned this unusual improvement on the consistently strong winds that blew in from the west throughout Monday evening , and a sunny Tuesday that raised the ground temperature enough to disperse pollutants. Were it not for the conditions, they added, Delhi’s air quality may have aggravated to hazardous levels, thanks to citywide violations of the ban on firecrackers, which cloaked the city in a pall of smog, as rockets, anaars (flowerpots), chakhris (ground spinners), rockets, phuljadi (sparklers) and ladis (bomb garlands) went off lanes and bylanes, with police turning a deaf ear and blind eye. The sounds of crackers reverberated all evening, and late into the night — with little in the way of police action, despite the Delhi government earlier warning residents of up to a six-month prison stint if they were found violating the blanket ban, which was imposed in early-September to avoid a rerun of the city’s annual post-Diwali air emergency. Delhi Police spokespersons did not respond to requests seeking comment on the lax imposition of the ban, nor did they reveal specific data on arrests made or FIRs filed on Diwali day for the use of firecrackers. Delhi Police does not come under the Delhi government, and reports to the Union government. A three-day spell of late monsoon rain in the first week of October delayed farm fires in Punjab and Haryana, said experts, adding that this, coupled with an early Diwali (which is often celebrated in November), together laid the ground for lower-than-usual pollution. “While the AQI has been fairly low this year, this is mostly down to an early Diwali, rains in early October and favourable meteorological factors. Good wind speed, which continued even on Tuesday, has controlled the spike in pollution generally seen after every Diwali. Farm fire numbers are also fairly low at the moment and this peak may come next month now,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Reacting to the relatively clean air, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday tweeted that the Capital was “working hard” to fix its air pollution problem. “There have been very encouraging results but there is still a long way to go. We will make Delhi the best city in the world,” he tweeted. This was the first time Delhi’s pollution levels fell the day after Diwali, according to the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) AQI system, which has been in place since 2015. Last year, the AQI spiked from 382 on Diwali day (November 4) to 462 (severe) the day after that. In 2020, it went from 414 on Diwali to 435. However, Delhi’s AQI on Diwali day itself was also the second-lowest ever, beaten by a reading of 281 on November 7, 2018. That year, pollution levels jumped to 390 the next day. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) in its Diwali analysis said the concentration of PM2.5 in the city’s air fell 64% this Diwali, compared to last year, and PM10 levels dipped 57%. “The AQI has meanwhile observed a 30% drop this Diwali as compared to last year. All stations in Delhi also recorded a fall in the PM2.5 and PM10 concentration as compared to last year,” said DPCC on Tuesday. DPCC data showed that pollution levels, in terms of PM2.5, peaked at Delhi’s Okhla Phase 2, where levels of the pollutants touched an hourly average of 1,042 micrograms per cubic metre at midnight — nearly 17 times the national daily safe limit. This was followed by Pusa, which hit an hourly peak of 990 micrograms per cubic metre at midnight. Karol Bagh was the noisiest part of the city on Diwali evening, DPCC said in its report, with an average reading of 82db(A), well beyond the 55db(A) limit allowed in residential areas, indicating that cracker ban violations were likely even more rampant in the central Delhi neighbourhoods than others. Jahangirpuri (81.8db(A)) in north-west Delhi and Patparganj (81.5) were the second and third most noisy areas in the city on Diwali, said the report. To be sure, while there is no way to quantify if the use of firecrackers fell compared to last year or not, the Delhi government estimated that use dipped 30%. Further, firecrackers weren’t freely available in Delhi thanks to the ban, which choked supplies of the contraband and forced sellers to clandestinely peddle their contribution, or for people to travel to other NCR cities to make purchases. Evidence from other Indian cities that had curbs on the use of firecrackers seems to suggest that bans and restrictions do have a tangible positive impact on the air. Such cities had a lower deterioration in AQI the day after Diwali as compared to those that no curbs on the use of firecrackers. For instance, in Patna, which had a complete ban on crackers, the AQI increased only marginally, from 153 on Diwali to 172 the next day. In Jaipur, where the use of so-called “green” crackers was allowed between 8pm and 10pm, AQI jumped from 130 to 262. Lucknow, which had no curbs on firecracker use, saw its AQI leap from 137 to 246. According to the Early Warning System (EWS), which the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) uses to take pre-emptive action on the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap), the AQI for the next three days in Delhi is likely to remain in the lower end of the “very poor” category, and is expected to hover between “poor” and “very poor” in the subsequent six days.

No check on crackers but wind, sun aid city

The national capital witnessed the unfettered use of firecrackers across the city on Diwali, but the city was spared the toxic aftermath of flagrant violations as strong winds washed away much of the pollutants that choked the city’s air on Monday evening. The national capital witnessed the unfettered use of firecrackers across the city on Diwali, but the city was spared the toxic aftermath of flagrant violations as strong winds washed away much of the pollutants that choked the city’s air on Monday evening. The air quality index (AQI) reading was marginally better on the day after Diwali — a first since the system was started in 2015 — dropping from 312 on Monday to 303 on Tuesday. But experts pinned this unusual improvement on the consistently strong winds that blew in from the west throughout Monday evening , and a sunny Tuesday that raised the ground temperature enough to disperse pollutants. Were it not for the conditions, they added, Delhi’s air quality may have aggravated to hazardous levels, thanks to citywide violations of the ban on firecrackers, which cloaked the city in a pall of smog, as rockets, anaars (flowerpots), chakhris (ground spinners), rockets, phuljadi (sparklers) and ladis (bomb garlands) went off lanes and bylanes, with police turning a deaf ear and blind eye. The sounds of crackers reverberated all evening, and late into the night — with little in the way of police action, despite the Delhi government earlier warning residents of up to a six-month prison stint if they were found violating the blanket ban, which was imposed in early-September to avoid a rerun of the city’s annual post-Diwali air emergency. Delhi Police spokespersons did not respond to requests seeking comment on the lax imposition of the ban, nor did they reveal specific data on arrests made or FIRs filed on Diwali day for the use of firecrackers. Delhi Police does not come under the Delhi government, and reports to the Union government. A three-day spell of late monsoon rain in the first week of October delayed farm fires in Punjab and Haryana, said experts, adding that this, coupled with an early Diwali (which is often celebrated in November), together laid the ground for lower-than-usual pollution. “While the AQI has been fairly low this year, this is mostly down to an early Diwali, rains in early October and favourable meteorological factors. Good wind speed, which continued even on Tuesday, has controlled the spike in pollution generally seen after every Diwali. Farm fire numbers are also fairly low at the moment and this peak may come next month now,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Reacting to the relatively clean air, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday tweeted that the Capital was “working hard” to fix its air pollution problem. “There have been very encouraging results but there is still a long way to go. We will make Delhi the best city in the world,” he tweeted. This was the first time Delhi’s pollution levels fell the day after Diwali, according to the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) AQI system, which has been in place since 2015. Last year, the AQI spiked from 382 on Diwali day (November 4) to 462 (severe) the day after that. In 2020, it went from 414 on Diwali to 435. However, Delhi’s AQI on Diwali day itself was also the second-lowest ever, beaten by a reading of 281 on November 7, 2018. That year, pollution levels jumped to 390 the next day. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) in its Diwali analysis said the concentration of PM2.5 in the city’s air fell 64% this Diwali, compared to last year, and PM10 levels dipped 57%. “The AQI has meanwhile observed a 30% drop this Diwali as compared to last year. All stations in Delhi also recorded a fall in the PM2.5 and PM10 concentration as compared to last year,” said DPCC on Tuesday. DPCC data showed that pollution levels, in terms of PM2.5, peaked at Delhi’s Okhla Phase 2, where levels of the pollutants touched an hourly average of 1,042 micrograms per cubic metre at midnight — nearly 17 times the national daily safe limit. This was followed by Pusa, which hit an hourly peak of 990 micrograms per cubic metre at midnight. Karol Bagh was the noisiest part of the city on Diwali evening, DPCC said in its report, with an average reading of 82db(A), well beyond the 55db(A) limit allowed in residential areas, indicating that cracker ban violations were likely even more rampant in the central Delhi neighbourhoods than others. Jahangirpuri (81.8db(A)) in north-west Delhi and Patparganj (81.5) were the second and third most noisy areas in the city on Diwali, said the report. To be sure, while there is no way to quantify if the use of firecrackers fell compared to last year or not, the Delhi government estimated that use dipped 30%. Further, firecrackers weren’t freely available in Delhi thanks to the ban, which choked supplies of the contraband and forced sellers to clandestinely peddle their contribution, or for people to travel to other NCR cities to make purchases. Evidence from other Indian cities that had curbs on the use of firecrackers seems to suggest that bans and restrictions do have a tangible positive impact on the air. Such cities had a lower deterioration in AQI the day after Diwali as compared to those that no curbs on the use of firecrackers. For instance, in Patna, which had a complete ban on crackers, the AQI increased only marginally, from 153 on Diwali to 172 the next day. In Jaipur, where the use of so-called “green” crackers was allowed between 8pm and 10pm, AQI jumped from 130 to 262. Lucknow, which had no curbs on firecracker use, saw its AQI leap from 137 to 246. According to the Early Warning System (EWS), which the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) uses to take pre-emptive action on the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap), the AQI for the next three days in Delhi is likely to remain in the lower end of the “very poor” category, and is expected to hover between “poor” and “very poor” in the subsequent six days.

Here’s why your packaged food with 'healthy' label isn't letting you lose weight

Are healthy labels really healthy? How many times have you seen a particularly brightly coloured packet of ‘healthy snack’? But have you wondered what’s really healthy in it? Today packaged and ready to eat snacks have become more accessible ,cheaper and an easy alternative for adults and children but all they cause is obesity and belly fat. A Survey done by CSE ( Centre for Science and Environment ) found that 93 % of people eat packaged food regularly and 53 % of them consume packaged food or beverages at least once a day. What leads to buying packaged meals? Easy availability in and around the workplace and home and increased screen time have further aided these habits in adults. Your most favourite detox juice in a bottle which you have daily is nothing but a blend of carbs, sugar and water – pure 100% empty calories with 0% nutrition. High amounts of sugar and flavours can lower the immune system , cause ADHD and poor performance. What should you check on the label before buying them? The major “RED FLAG” ingredients to keep an eye on in these so called healthy snacks are – 1. Palm oil / palm-olein/ refined vegetable oil What to do about these labels? Dr Ridhi Kaur, Consultant Paediatrician, Founder - Kikibix, suggests “The best tip and trick is if you don’t have an ingredient in your kitchen pantry , do not purchase an item having it. The more important question is how many times have you turned the pack around and checked the ingredients on the label? There is a major need to be motivated to actively seek for the information by turning around packages.” Eat home cooked meals Eating home based and home cooked foods are the best for weight loss. Try to consume a balanced diet of Millets, whole grains , vegetables, fruits and healthy fats from nuts, seeds, eggs. You’ll eat clean and keep a tab on what kind of oil and spices you’re using. Make mealtimes a fun activity by cooking healthy food for yourself. Say no to packaged weight loss foods Control the consumption of packaged and sugar laden snacks. Try to juice out your own fruits and vegetables rather than buying a packaged bottle. Do not buy cold stored breakfast options and canned ready to eat diet food. The takeaway Limit the screen time and make outdoor activities a part of your routine. A well-structured awareness about diet, healthy snacking and avoidance of junk food must be inculcated. Most importantly read the package carefully before heading to the purchase counter. Motivate yourself to inculcate healthy dietary behaviour.

दिल्ली में खतरनाक लेवल पर प्रदूषण, आनंद विहार में AQI लेवल 395, नोएडा में 309; आज पटाखों से और जहरीली हो सकती है आबोहवा

एक तरफ दिवाली (Diwali) की खुशी है तो दूसरी ओर खतरनाक प्रदूषण का डर. जी हां, दिवाली से ठीक पहले दिल्ली में प्रदूषण का स्तर खतरनाक लेवल पर पहुंच चुका है. केंद्रीय प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड (सीपीसीबी) के आंकड़ों से पता चलता है कि दिल्ली में सोमवार सुबह को वायु गुणवत्ता सूचकांक (AQI) 276 दर्ज किया गया. वहीं रविवार को एक्यूआई 259 था, जो दिवाली से एक दिन पहले सात साल में सबसे कम था. वहीं आनंद विवार में स्थिति और खराब दिखी. यहां AQI 395 दर्ज किया गया. इसी के साथ नोएडा में एक्यूआई लेवल 309 रिकॉर्ड किया गया. ऐसे में आज पटाखों से दिल्ली की आबोहवा और जहरीली हो सकती है. कैसे मापा जाता है प्रदूषण का स्तर? शून्य और 50 के बीच एक्यूआई को "अच्छा", 51 और 100 "संतोषजनक", 101 और 200 "मध्यम", 201 और 300 "खराब", 301 और 400 "बहुत खराब", और 401 और 500 "गंभीर" माना जाता है. आने वाले दिनों में दिल्ली की हवा की गुणवत्ता और भी खराब स्थिति में पहुंच सकती है. इसके पीछे की वजह सिर्फ पटाखे ही नहीं है बल्कि पराली का जलना भी एक मुख्य कारण है. SAFAR के मुताबिक, पंजाब-हरियाणा और पश्चिम उत्तर प्रदेश से सोमवार यानी 24 अक्टूबर से हवाएं दिल्ली की ओर चलना शुरू होंगी, इसलिए पूरी आशंका है कि दिल्ली में पराली के धुएं से प्रदूषण बढ़ेगा. वहीं ऐसा भी अनुमान जताया गया है कि 26 अक्टूबर की शाम से हवा की गुणवत्ता में सुधार होना शुरू हो सकता है. जुलाई-सितंबर में प्रदूषण निचले स्तर पर रहा बता दें कि सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड इनवायरन्मेंट (CSE) के एक विश्लेषण में कहा गया है कि दिल्ली में 2.5 पार्टिकुलेट मैटर (PM) यानी (हवा में मौजूद 2.5 माइक्रोमीटर व्यास से कम आकार के सूक्ष्म कण) प्रदूषण का स्तर इस साल जुलाई-अगस्त-सितंबर तिमाही में औसत 37 माइक्रोग्राम प्रति घन मीटर रहा. वहीं यह 2020 के दौरान दर्ज किए गए 36 माइक्रोग्राम प्रति घन मीटर के पांच सालों के सबसे निचले स्तर से आंशिक रूप से अधिक है. हवा साफ रखने का ये है प्लान दिल्ली में बढ़ते प्रदूषण को देखते हुए हवा को साफ रखने का प्लान भी बनाया गया है. वायु गुणवत्ता प्रबंधन आयोग (CAQM) की ओर से ग्रेडेड रिस्पॉन्स एक्शन प्लान (GRAP) के दूसरे चरण को लागू कर दिया गया है. इसके तहत प्रदूषण कम करने के लिए हर दिन सड़कों की सफाई और हर दूसरे दिन पानी का छिड़काव किया जाएगा. होटल या रेस्टोरेंट में कोयले या तंदूर का इस्तेमाल नहीं होगा. डीजल जनरेटर का इस्तेमाल सिर्फ इमरजेंसी सेवाओं में होगा. लोगों से पब्लिक ट्रांसपोर्ट का ज्यादा से ज्यादा इस्तेमाल करने की अपील भी की गई है. इसके साथ ही स्मॉग टावर भी लगाए गए हैं.

Pollution at dangerous level in Delhi before Diwali, today the air can become more toxic due to firecrackers

Delhi Pollution On Diwali: On one hand there is happiness of Diwali and on the other hand there is fear of dangerous pollution. Yes, just before Diwali, the pollution level in Delhi has reached an alarming level. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that Delhi recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 259 on Sunday, the lowest in seven years, a day before Diwali. On the other hand, the situation in Anand Vivar looked worse. Here the AQI was recorded 395. With this, the AQI level 309 was recorded in Noida. In such a situation, today the climate of Delhi can become more toxic due to firecrackers. How is the level of pollution measured? An AQI between zero and 50 is considered “good”, 51 and 100 “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 “moderate”, 201 and 300 “poor”, 301 and 400 “very poor”, and 401 and 500 “severe”. . latest video In the coming days, the air quality of Delhi may reach worse. The reason behind this is not only firecrackers, but the burning of stubble is also one of the main reasons. According to SAFAR, the winds from Punjab-Haryana and West Uttar Pradesh will start moving towards Delhi from Monday, October 24, so there is every possibility that pollution will increase due to stubble smoke in Delhi. At the same time, it has also been estimated that the air quality may start improving from the evening of 26 October. Pollution remained at a low level in July-September Explain that in an analysis by the Center for Science and Environment (CSE), it has been said that the level of 2.5 Particulate Matter (PM) i.e. (fine particles present in the air in the air is less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter) pollution level in July-August this year. The average in the September quarter was 37 micrograms per cubic meter. At the same time, it is partially higher than the lowest level in five years of 36 micrograms per cubic meter recorded during 2020. This is the plan to keep the air clean In view of the increasing pollution in Delhi, a plan has also been made to keep the air clean. The second phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented by the Air Quality Management Commission (CAQM). Under this, cleaning of roads every day and sprinkling of water every other day will be done to reduce pollution. Coal or tandoor will not be used in hotels or restaurants. Diesel generator will be used only in emergency services. An appeal has also been made to the people to make maximum use of public transport. Along with this, smog towers have also been installed.

Breathing Poison: Why Guwahati has very high Black Carbon Pollution levels

Already an emission record study has been initiated for Guwahati to find different sources like commercial, transportation, domestic and industrial Guwahati: Beware of the air that you are breathing if you are in Guwahati as the city has topped the charts of the highest polluted cities in the state, said a study by Delhi-based Centre of Science and Environment (CSE). The CSE warned that the problem of air pollution has been constantly rising in the state capital as well as in four other cities of the state. Besides Guwahati; Nagaon, Silchar, Sivasagar, and Nalbari towns also showed a rise in air pollution level in the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP). The pollutant levels in these cities have exceeded the prescribed air quality standards. Owing to the records, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has been initiated to develop action plans to bring down the fine particulate matter (like PM10 and PM2.5) by 20-30 per cent within a stipulated timeframe. Already an emission record study has been initiated for Guwahati, wherein the contribution of pollutants from different sectors like commercial, transportation, domestic and industrial sources will be estimated. Preliminary study revealed that the high level of air pollution in these Assam cities were a result of heavy motorisation, traffic congestion, and use of solid fuel causing a public health crisis in the region. Massive and several construction works across the city have been also making the situation worse, said the study. In the state, the total emission of black carbon was about 19.38 Gg (Gigagram) during 2018-19, of which 3.38 Gg was from Kamrup (Metro) district alone, which was also the highest black carbon emitting district. Black carbon was considered just next to carbon dioxide in global warming potential and has an effect on global climate.

Delhi Air Quality Likely To Worsen After Diwali And Firecrackers Are Not The Only Problem

The annual pollution fiasco in the capital can be attributed to a cocktail of emissions from firecrackers that are burst on Diwali and stubble burning, clubbed with geological and climatic challenges together contribute. With Diwali around the corner, Delhi's air quality has taken a familiar turn for the worse. On Sunday, the city recorded "poor" AQI for the eighth consecutive day on Sunday. The air quality is likely to turn "severe" on Diwali due to emissions from firecrackers and an increase in the share of smoke from stubble burning because of a favourable wind speed and direction. The capital's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 243 at 10 am on Sunday. It was 265 at 4 pm on Saturday. Delhi's overall air quality is predicted to remain in the 'poor' to the lower end of 'very poor' category until the morning of October 24, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). The air quality might improve slightly on October 26 evening onwards to the lower end of 'very poor' category as surface winds will pick up on October 26 and stubble transport level winds will slow down. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe". The bad air days come after an unusually clear and cool spell in Dlehi this year. An analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) found that Delhi's PM2.5 pollution average for the July-August-September quarter this year stood at 37 microgram per cubic metre, only marginally higher than the five-year low of 36 microgram per cubic metre recorded during 2020. Pollution levels in the July-August-September quarter were preceded by one of the most polluted summers this year, unlike in 2020 when the trimester followed the cleanest ever summer (March-May) duSo e to extraordinary conditions created because of hard pandemic lockdowns, the green think tank said. Why air quality is likely to worsen The annual pollution fiasco in the capital can be attributed to a cocktail of emissions from firecrackers and stubble burning, clubbed with geological and climatic challenges together contribute. Along with dust and biomass burning, vehicular emissions is also a major contributor to Delhi's pollution generated locally, as per the environment ministry. Stubble burning: According to predictions by SAFAR, transport-level winds from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh towards Delhi will pick up from October 24 and, in all likelihood, will bring significant stubble-related emissions to Delhi. "If stubble burning increases gradually, which is likely, its share in Delhi's PM2.5 (based on the average temporal variability of fire counts in the previous years) is likely to be 5 per cent on October 23, 8 per cent on October 24 and 16 to 18 per cent on October 25," SAFAR's predictions said.

दिवाली से पहले दिल्ली में जहरीली हुई हवा, AQI ‘खराब’, प्रदूषण का हॉट स्पॉट बनेगी राजधानी

सफर की रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक दिल्ली का PM 2.5 23 अक्टूबर के सापेक्ष 24 अक्टूबर को पांच फीसदी से बढ़कर आठ फीसदी हो सकता है. इसी प्रकार 25 अक्टूबर को इसमें 16 से 18 फीसदी तक इजाफा हो सकता है. यह स्थिति डराने वाली है. दिल्ली में हवाओं का रुख बदलने वाला है. संभावना है कि 24 अक्टूबर यानी दिवाली से पंजाब हरियाणा और पश्चिमी उत्तर प्रदेश की ओर से हवाओं का रुख दिल्ली की ओर हो जाएगा. ऐसा होते ही दिल्ली में पराली के धुएं का प्रदूषण बढ़ेगा. इससे दिल्ली में कई जगह प्रदूषण का हॉट स्पॉट बनने की भी आशंका है. यह आशंका सिस्टम ऑफ एयर क्वालिटी एंड वेदर फॉरकास्टिंग एंड रिसर्च (SAFAR) ने जारी की है. सफर की रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक ऐसा होने पर दिवाली के दिन से ही दिल्ली की हवा दमघोंटू हो सकती है. ऐसे हालात में क्रानिक डिजीज के मरीजों को भारी मुश्किल हो सकती है. सफर की रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक दिल्ली का PM 2.5 23 अक्टूबर के सापेक्ष 24 अक्टूबर को पांच फीसदी से बढ़कर आठ फीसदी हो सकता है. इसी प्रकार 25 अक्टूबर को इसमें 16 से 18 फीसदी तक इजाफा हो सकता है. यह स्थिति डराने वाली है. ऐसी स्थिति में दिल्ली में हॉट स्पॉट बन सकता है. रिपोर्ट में बताया गया है कि अभी उत्तर पश्चिम क्षेत्र में पराली जलाने के मामले कम आए हैं. हवा का दबाव भी कम है. इसलिए फिलहाल तो राहत है, लेकिन दिवाली के दिन से हवा के रुख बदलने के साथ ही स्थिति में बदलाव हो सकता है. पिछले साल दस फीसदी ज्यादा आए मामले सीएसई की एक रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक पिछले साल वर्ष 2021 में पराली जलाने के मामले करीब दस फीसदी तक ज्यादा आए थे. सीएसई के सीनियर प्रोग्राम मैनेजर के मुताबिक इस समय भी पंजाब हरियाणा में पराली जलाने के मामले सामने आने लगे हैं. इन राजयों में इसी 16 अक्टूबर को ही केवल पराली जलने की वजह से 2000 वॉट तक ऊर्जा का उत्सर्जन हुआ था. ऐसे में ताजा हालात को देखते हुए निकट भविष्य में स्थिति और खराब होने की आशंका है. प्रदूषण रोकने के लिए दिल्ली में लागू है ग्रेप दिल्ली को गैस चैंबर बनने से रोकने के लिए कमीशन फॉर एयर क्वालिटी ने ग्रेडेड रिस्पांस एक्शन प्लान यानी ग्रेप के पहले चरण को अपग्रेड करने का फैसला किया है. उम्मीद है कि जल्द ही दूसरा चरण शुरू हो जाएगा. इस व्यवस्था के तहत हर दिन सड़कों की सफाई होगी और पानी का छिड़काव किया जाएगा. इसी के साथ होटल, रेस्टोरेंट आदि में कोयले या तंदूर का इस्तेमाल बंद करा दिया जाएगा. वहीं अस्पताल, रेल सर्विस, मेट्रो आदि को छोड़कर कहीं भी डीजल जेनरेटर के इस्तेमाल की अनुमति नहीं दी जाएगी. दिल्ली में रेड लाइट ऑन गाड़ी ऑफ अभियान दिल्ली में आम आदमी पार्टी की सरकार ने 28 नवंबर से रेड लाइट ऑन गाड़ी का इंजन ऑफ अभियान चलाने जा रही है. प्रदूषण पर प्रभावी नियंत्रण के लिए यह अभियान एक महीने चलेगा. इसके लिए दिल्ली के 100 चौराहों पर 2500 वालंटियर्स तैयात किए जाएंगे. खराब श्रेणी में दर्ज हुई एयर क्वालिटी केंद्रीय प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड (सीपीसीबी) की ओर से जारी आंकड़ों के मुताबिक दिल्ली में 24 घंटों का औसत वायु गुणवत्ता सूचकांक (एक्यूआई) शनिवार को 265 अंक के साथ खराब श्रेणी में दर्ज किया गया. बोर्ड ने इसकी वजह राजधानी के कई हिस्सों में पटाखा फोड़ने पर लगाई गई पाबंदी का उल्लंघन बताया है. दिल्ली में शनिवार को न्यूनतम तापमान 17.4 डिग्री दर्ज किया गया जो सामान्य से एक डिग्री कम है. भारत मौसम विज्ञान विभाग (आईएमडी) के मुताबिक दिन के समय आसमान साफ रहने की संभावना है. अधिकतम तापमान 32 डिग्री के आसपास रहने के आसार हैं. दिल्ली में सुबह साढ़े आठ बजे सापेक्षिक आर्द्रता 83 प्रतिशत दर्ज की गई.

How green are green crackers?

With Diwali less than two days away, Indians are gearing up for the festival of lights, some wanting to be eco-friendly by using green crackers. The Supreme court of India banned the traditional crackers containing pollution causing barium nitrate back in 2018, promoting the use of green crackers instead. Claiming to be eco-friendly, these green crackers are also more expensive than traditional crackers. “This year we have only 70% of stock as compared to last year because the majority of big cracker brands have supplied less crackers owing to their transition to green crackers. Green crackers use nitrate as compared to other crackers which use barium salts. Nitrates are in short supply so the overall cracker industry is hit, making the limited supply costly,” said Praveen Kumar T from Crackers Mela. In September this year, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee announced a complete ban on bursting crackers – including green crackers – till January 2023. This is being legally contested by green crackers manufacturers in Delhi.

Guwahati has one of world's highest black carbon pollution levels reveal study

Guwahati: A large population in Assam is breathing toxic air, with Guwahati topping the charts of the highest polluted cities in the state. The Delhi-based Centre of Science and Environment (CSE) had recently warned that the problem of air pollution is growing steadily in Assam and also in other northeastern states, posing a threat to the concept of pristine blue skies and clean air in this region. In the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP), five 'non-attainment' cities have been identified in Assam, namely, Guwahati, Nagaon, Silchar, Sivasagar, and Nalbari. The pollutant levels in these cities have exceeded the prescribed air quality standards. Accordingly, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has been initiated to develop action plans to bring down the fine particulate matter (like PM10 and PM2.5) by 20-30 per cent within a stipulated timeframe. An emission inventory study has been initiated for Guwahati, wherein the contribution of pollutants from different sectors like commercial, transportation, domestic and industrial sources will be estimated. The high level of air pollution resulting from massive motorisation, traffic congestion, and use of solid fuel are causing a public health crisis in the hilly terrains and valleys of the northeastern states. What is worse is that although the air quality has declined gradually, it has failed to draw public attention yet. But, in the winter, air pollution in Guwahati is as bad as in many cities in Uttar Pradesh. Pollution is high even in smaller cities too. Parthankar Choudhury, Professor of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar, said that over the years, the concentration of particulate matter in the ambient air is on the rise, which is alarming. "More research projects need to be carried out on the respiratory distress and other health ailments caused due to air pollution," he added. In the present scenario, various construction works are going on in and around Guwahati, which may be responsible for the increase in concentrations of PM10. This increase, however, is temporary in nature because, after the completion of the construction works, e.g., a flyover, the vehicle flow will be smooth with less congestion which will eventually lead to lesser pollutant levels in the long run. Black carbon is just next to carbon dioxide in global warming potential and has an effect on global climate. Rajarshi Sharma, a research scholar of the Air & Noise Research Lab of IIT Guwahati (IIT-G) headed by Prof. Sharad Gokhale, studied emission levels of black carbon and found that fossil fuel burning (from transportation, industries, kerosene lamps for lighting in residential use) is responsible for about 60 per cent of black carbon emission, while biomass burning (from firewood for residential use, cropland burning, forest fires, slash burning) contribute to about 40 per cent. The total emission of black carbon is about 19.38 Gg (Gigagram) during 2018-19, of which 3.38 Gg is from Kamrup Metropolitan district only, which is also the highest black carbon emitting district. The other reason which is affecting Guwahati is the unplanned and open burning of solid waste disposal right in the city itself. People do not realise the amount of black carbon and toxic pollutants which are emitted from burning waste disposal. Guwahati has one of the highest black carbon pollution levels in the world which is alarming, said an officer of the state government. Ardhendu Shekhar Chaudhury, another researcher at IIT-G, found in a study near urban roadways of Guwahati that the average black carbon level in winter season at the breathing level is about 32 micrograms per cubic meter. Prof Gokhale said that the air pollution scenario in Assam is not as grave as Delhi today but is certainly alarming as the levels of fine particles are rising. There is a need for public awareness of its harmful health effects and practically adaptable solutions to reduce the particle levels and minimise the damage to human health as well as the climate of the region.

Guwahati has one of world's highest black carbon pollution levels

A large population in Assam is breathing toxic air, with Guwahati topping the charts of the highest polluted cities in the state. The Delhi-based Centre of Science and Environment (CSE) had recently warned that the problem of air pollution is growing steadily in Assam and also in other northeastern states, posing a threat to the concept of pristine blue skies and clean air in this region. In the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP), five 'non-attainment' cities have been identified in Assam, namely, Guwahati, Nagaon, Silchar, Sivasagar, and Nalbari. The pollutant levels in these cities have exceeded the prescribed air quality standards. Accordingly, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has been initiated to develop action plans to bring down the fine particulate matter (like PM10 and PM2.5) by 20-30 per cent within a stipulated timeframe. An emission inventory study has been initiated for Guwahati, wherein the contribution of pollutants from different sectors like commercial, transportation, domestic and industrial sources will be estimated. The high level of air pollution resulting from massive motorisation, traffic congestion, and use of solid fuel are causing a public health crisis in the hilly terrains and valleys of the northeastern states. What is worse is that although the air quality has declined gradually, it has failed to draw public attention yet. But, in the winter, air pollution in Guwahati is as bad as in many cities in Uttar Pradesh. Pollution is high even in smaller cities too. Parthankar Choudhury, Professor of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar, said that over the years, the concentration of particulate matter in the ambient air is on the rise, which is alarming. "More research projects need to be carried out on the respiratory distress and other health ailments caused due to air pollution," he added. In the present scenario, various construction works are going on in and around Guwahati, which may be responsible for the increase in concentrations of PM10. This increase, however, is temporary in nature because, after the completion of the construction works, e.g., a flyover, the vehicle flow will be smooth with less congestion which will eventually lead to lesser pollutant levels in the long run. Black carbon is just next to carbon dioxide in global warming potential and has an effect on global climate. Rajarshi Sharma, a research scholar of the Air & Noise Research Lab of IIT Guwahati (IIT-G) headed by Prof. Sharad Gokhale, studied emission levels of black carbon and found that fossil fuel burning (from transportation, industries, kerosene lamps for lighting in residential use) is responsible for about 60 per cent of black carbon emission, while biomass burning (from firewood for residential use, cropland burning, forest fires, slash burning) contribute to about 40 per cent. The total emission of black carbon is about 19.38 Gg (Gigagram) during 2018-19, of which 3.38 Gg is from Kamrup Metropolitan district only, which is also the highest black carbon emitting district. The other reason which is affecting Guwahati is the unplanned and open burning of solid waste disposal right in the city itself. People do not realise the amount of black carbon and toxic pollutants which are emitted from burning waste disposal. Guwahati has one of the highest black carbon pollution levels in the world which is alarming, said an officer of the state government. Ardhendu Shekhar Chaudhury, another researcher at IIT-G, found in a study near urban roadways of Guwahati that the average black carbon level in winter season at the breathing level is about 32 micrograms per cubic meter. Prof Gokhale said that the air pollution scenario in Assam is not as grave as Delhi today but is certainly alarming as the levels of fine particles are rising. There is a need for public awareness of its harmful health effects and practically adaptable solutions to reduce the particle levels and minimise the damage to human health as well as the climate of the region.

Guwahati has one of world’s highest black carbon pollution levels

A large population in Assam is breathing toxic air, with Guwahati topping the charts of the highest polluted cities in the state. The Delhi-based Centre of Science and Environment (CSE) had recently warned that the problem of air pollution is growing steadily in Assam and also in other northeastern states, posing a threat to the concept of pristine blue skies and clean air in this region. In the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP), five ‘non-attainment’ cities have been identified in Assam, namely, Guwahati, Nagaon, Silchar, Sivasagar, and Nalbari. The pollutant levels in these cities have exceeded the prescribed air quality standards. Accordingly, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has been initiated to develop action plans to bring down the fine particulate matter (like PM10 and PM2.5) by 20-30 per cent within a stipulated timeframe. An emission inventory study has been initiated for Guwahati, wherein the contribution of pollutants from different sectors like commercial, transportation, domestic and industrial sources will be estimated. The high level of air pollution resulting from massive motorisation, traffic congestion, and use of solid fuel are causing a public health crisis in the hilly terrains and valleys of the northeastern states. What is worse is that although the air quality has declined gradually, it has failed to draw public attention yet. But, in the winter, air pollution in Guwahati is as bad as in many cities in Uttar Pradesh. Pollution is high even in smaller cities too. Parthankar Choudhury, Professor of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar, said that over the years, the concentration of particulate matter in the ambient air is on the rise, which is alarming. “More research projects need to be carried out on the respiratory distress and other health ailments caused due to air pollution,” he added. In the present scenario, various construction works are going on in and around Guwahati, which may be responsible for the increase in concentrations of PM10. This increase, however, is temporary in nature because, after the completion of the construction works, e.g., a flyover, the vehicle flow will be smooth with less congestion which will eventually lead to lesser pollutant levels in the long run. Black carbon is just next to carbon dioxide in global warming potential and has an effect on global climate. Rajarshi Sharma, a research scholar of the Air & Noise Research Lab of IIT Guwahati (IIT-G) headed by Prof. Sharad Gokhale, studied emission levels of black carbon and found that fossil fuel burning (from transportation, industries, kerosene lamps for lighting in residential use) is responsible for about 60 per cent of black carbon emission, while biomass burning (from firewood for residential use, cropland burning, forest fires, slash burning) contribute to about 40 per cent. The total emission of black carbon is about 19.38 Gg (Gigagram) during 2018-19, of which 3.38 Gg is from Kamrup Metropolitan district only, which is also the highest black carbon emitting district. The other reason which is affecting Guwahati is the unplanned and open burning of solid waste disposal right in the city itself. People do not realise the amount of black carbon and toxic pollutants which are emitted from burning waste disposal. Guwahati has one of the highest black carbon pollution levels in the world which is alarming, said an officer of the state government. Ardhendu Shekhar Chaudhury, another researcher at IIT-G, found in a study near urban roadways of Guwahati that the average black carbon level in winter season at the breathing level is about 32 micrograms per cubic meter. Prof Gokhale said that the air pollution scenario in Assam is not as grave as Delhi today but is certainly alarming as the levels of fine particles are rising. There is a need for public awareness of its harmful health effects and practically adaptable solutions to reduce the particle levels and minimise the damage to human health as well as the climate of the region. IANS

https://www.lokmattimes.com/national/guwahati-has-one-of-worlds-highest-black-carbon-pollution-levels/

A large population in Assam is breathing toxic air, with Guwahati topping the charts of the highest polluted cities in the state.</p><div id="inreadContainer"></div><p>The Delhi-based Centre of Science and Environment (CSE) had recently warned that the problem of air pollution is growing steadily in Assam and also in other northeastern states, posing a threat to the concept of pristine blue skies and clean air in this region.</p>

Guwahati has one of world’s highest black carbon pollution levels

The Delhi-based Centre of Science and Environment (CSE) had recently warned that the problem of air pollution is growing steadily in Assam and also in other northeastern states, posing a threat to the concept of pristine blue skies and clean air in this region. In the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP), five ‘non-attainment’ cities have been identified in Assam, namely, Guwahati, Nagaon, Silchar, Sivasagar, and Nalbari. The pollutant levels in these cities have exceeded the prescribed air quality standards. Accordingly, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has been initiated to develop action plans to bring down the fine particulate matter (like PM10 and PM2.5) by 20-30 per cent within a stipulated timeframe. An emission inventory study has been initiated for Guwahati, wherein the contribution of pollutants from different sectors like commercial, transportation, domestic and industrial sources will be estimated. The high level of air pollution resulting from massive motorisation, traffic congestion, and use of solid fuel are causing a public health crisis in the hilly terrains and valleys of the northeastern states. What is worse is that although the air quality has declined gradually, it has failed to draw public attention yet. But, in the winter, air pollution in Guwahati is as bad as in many cities in Uttar Pradesh. Pollution is high even in smaller cities too. Parthankar Choudhury, Professor of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar, said that over the years, the concentration of particulate matter in the ambient air is on the rise, which is alarming. “More research projects need to be carried out on the respiratory distress and other health ailments caused due to air pollution,” he added. In the present scenario, various construction works are going on in and around Guwahati, which may be responsible for the increase in concentrations of PM10. This increase, however, is temporary in nature because, after the completion of the construction works, e.g., a flyover, the vehicle flow will be smooth with less congestion which will eventually lead to lesser pollutant levels in the long run. Black carbon is just next to carbon dioxide in global warming potential and has an effect on global climate. Rajarshi Sharma, a research scholar of the Air & Noise Research Lab of IIT Guwahati (IIT-G) headed by Prof. Sharad Gokhale, studied emission levels of black carbon and found that fossil fuel burning (from transportation, industries, kerosene lamps for lighting in residential use) is responsible for about 60 per cent of black carbon emission, while biomass burning (from firewood for residential use, cropland burning, forest fires, slash burning) contribute to about 40 per cent. The total emission of black carbon is about 19.38 Gg (Gigagram) during 2018-19, of which 3.38 Gg is from Kamrup Metropolitan district only, which is also the highest black carbon emitting district. The other reason which is affecting Guwahati is the unplanned and open burning of solid waste disposal right in the city itself. People do not realise the amount of black carbon and toxic pollutants which are emitted from burning waste disposal. Guwahati has one of the highest black carbon pollution levels in the world which is alarming, said an officer of the state government. Ardhendu Shekhar Chaudhury, another researcher at IIT-G, found in a study near urban roadways of Guwahati that the average black carbon level in winter season at the breathing level is about 32 micrograms per cubic meter. Prof Gokhale said that the air pollution scenario in Assam is not as grave as Delhi today but is certainly alarming as the levels of fine particles are rising. There is a need for public awareness of its harmful health effects and practically adaptable solutions to reduce the particle levels and minimise the damage to human health as well as the climate of the region.