Smog terror in Delhi: What's the cause of high level of air pollution?

Expert explains the cause of high level of air pollution in Delhi.

New Delhi, Nov 9: The residents of Delhi are choking to death, literally. With heavy blanket of smog engulfing the entire Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) for the last few days, people are struggling to breathe.

Thursday morning also saw smog hovering over the entire city. According to ANI, Lodhi road area in Delhi recorded air pollution level of PM 10 and PM 2.5 which fall under "severe" category.

As the situation has reached an alarming proportion with schools to be remained closed in the national capital till Sunday, most of the residents, especially the elderly and children, have kept themselves locked inside their homes.

Those who have to attend offices and colleges have no other option, but to venture out to carry out their day-to-day activities. Doctors in the city are inundated by patients who are suffering from respiratory disorders, skin and eye irritation and severe headache, to name a few health issues emerging due to unprecedented pollution.

Most of the people outdoors are seen wearing masks to keep themselves away from inhaling the pollutant air. However, that is also not helping.

So, what is the cause of such high level of air pollution in Delhi and neighbouring areas? Every winter Delhi is experiencing smog and choking, but this time it is unprecedented.

Explaining the situation, A Sudhakar, member secretary of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), said: "Currently, Delhi and its neighbouring region are seeing almost still conditions at the ground level, but in the upper atmosphere there are two wind masses--one from Punjab, which is bringing pollutants from crop burning and the other from eastern Uttar Pradesh, which is bringing moisture.

"These are colliding at the higher altitude. This is leading to conditions where there are moisture, pollution and no wind at the ground level."

He said that he expects conditions to remain severe over the next few days as per the forecast made available by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

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