NASA Photo Shows River of Smoke over Delhi: Air Pollution

Delhi, Nov 20: American space agency NASA has shared images of farm fires burns of Delhi, which led to a spike in the levels of air pollution. The image depicts hotpots with small red dots. The entire area around the national capital is seen with high levels of air pollution.

The images were taken by Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the Suomi NPP satellite on November 11, NASA informed on its blog.

Delhi’s Air Quality ‘Very Poor’

This comes as Delhi battles the heavy smog which has engulfed the city completely, leading to an increase in several respiratory diseases.

The state government has also ordered all the schools to remain shut until further notice. On Friday, the national capital registered its air quality in the “very poor” category.

However, experts have predicted that strong surface winds are likely to bring some relief from high pollution levels Sunday onwards, authorities said. The city recorded its 24-hour average air quality index at 347, down from 375 on Wednesday.

Also Read: Arunachal Pradesh Takes Up 75 Strategies To Battle Climate Change

 

What is Government doing about Air Pollution in India?

The East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) has issued 140 challans worth over Rs 18 lakh against violators so far in November in its bid to curb air pollution in the area. Some of the other steps being taken by the authorities to keep a check on the rising air pollution in the state are:

  • EDMC has constituted several teams to carry out field inspections to keep round-the-clock vigil against garbage burning, biomass burning, illegal dumping of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, and polluting industrial activities.
  • Several water sprinklers have also been deployed to control dust pollution by spraying dust suppressants.
  • Delhi government has imposed a complete ban on construction activities in view of rising pollution levels.
  • Punitive action is being taken against both institutional entities as well as individuals contributing to air pollution.
  • A special drive has been launched to monitor and prevent activities adding to air pollution in the areas of Sonia Vihar, Karawal Nagar, and Wazirabad Road.
  • Individual owners and builders found continuing with construction activities have been issued heavy challans under National Green Tribunal Act and Environment Protection Act.