DR RAKESH VERMA
The pervasive smog blanketing the Indo-Gangetic Plain, including Jammu, is significantly influenced by agricultural practices, particularly stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana. While the CAQM reported a 71% reduction in stubble burning in Punjab compared to the previous year, satellite data paints a more complex picture. NASA scientist Hiren Jethva highlighted that farmers are strategically timing their crop burning to avoid the typical afternoon satellite overpasses, primarily using the late afternoon to burn crop residue when NASA surveillance is less frequent. This tactic is confirmed by data from South Korean geostationary satellites, which capture images every five minutes, showing a significant increase in burning activity after 2 pm. On first Monday of November alone, over 400 fresh cases of farm fires were reported in Punjab, pushing the total beyond 7,000. Although the official data from Punjab may show a decrease, the geostationary satellite data reveals a continued, and possibly increasing, presence of farm fires.
The smoke generated from these fires travels considerable distances, carried by prevailing winds to affect air quality across the region, including Jammu. The exact impact on Jammu’s AQI requires further localized data analysis, but the prevailing wind patterns and geographical proximity indicate a significant contribution from Punjab and Haryana’s agricultural practices. The long-term implications are equally concerning. Continued reliance on stubble burning as a disposal method will likely perpetuate the annual cycle of severe smog, posing significant risks to public health and the environment. The increase in respiratory illnesses, eye irritation, and other health problems associated with poor air quality directly links to these agricultural practices. The long-term effects could range from increased healthcare costs to reduced agricultural productivity due to soil degradation and decreased crop yields. Moreover, the frequency and intensity of smog events negatively impact tourism, economic activities, and the overall quality of life in Jammu.
Meteorological Factors: Thermal Inversion and Fog
Thermal inversion plays a crucial role in the current smog crisis across the Indo-Gangetic Plain, including Jammu. This meteorological phenomenon occurs when a layer of warmer air settles above a layer of cooler air near the ground. This warmer air acts as a lid, preventing the vertical mixing of air and trapping pollutants close to the surface. As explained by NASA scientist Hiren Jethva, “The warmer air sits above the cooler air on the ground and that does not allow the vertical mixing of pollutants and whatever we emit at the surface stays for around 200 metres within the boundary layer. The stronger the thermal inversion, the more pollutants will be trapped near the surface because there is no venting place for the pollutants to go up in the vertical direction.” The smoke from crop burning further exacerbates this effect. The smoke, containing light-absorbing aerosols, interacts with clouds, warming the upper layer of air and strengthening the thermal inversion. This creates a feedback loop where the pollutants are trapped more efficiently, leading to a denser and more persistent smog.
The increased occurrence of fog in November also contributes to the smog problem. Jethva notes that the fog occurrence over the Indo-Gangetic Plain has increased in November, a shift from the usual December occurrence. This is attributed to an increase in particulate matter (PM), which acts as cloud condensation nuclei, favoring fog formation. When temperatures drop, the abundant aerosols contribute significantly to the formation of dense fog. This fog acts as a further barrier, reducing visibility and trapping pollutants even more effectively. The combination of thermal inversion and increased fog creates a near-perfect storm for severe smog conditions.
In the plains of Jammu, these meteorological conditions have a particularly strong impact. The geographical location and topography of the region might create localized pockets of stagnant air, enhancing the effects of thermal inversion. The plains’ relatively flat terrain can lead to poor air circulation, hindering the dispersal of pollutants. The presence of valleys and hills can further trap pollutants, creating areas of concentrated smog. The interplay between regional weather patterns, local topography, and the influx of pollutants from stubble burning produces a severe smog situation in the Jammu plains. Understanding these specific meteorological factors is critical to developing effective strategies for mitigating the smog crisis.
Impact on Health and the Environment in Jammu
The severe smog engulfing the Indo-Gangetic Plain, including the plains of Jammu, poses significant threats to both human health and the environment. While precise AQI data for Jammu is currently unavailable, the widespread nature of the smog and its intensity in neighboring regions strongly suggest similarly hazardous conditions. The high concentration of pollutants, primarily particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), has severe implications for the health of Jammu’s residents.
Respiratory illnesses are expected to surge, with increased instances of asthma attacks, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections. The tiny particles in the smog penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and irritation. Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable. Symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness are common. Eye irritation, including burning, itching, and watery eyes, is another prevalent health consequence. The pollutants in the smog can irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes, leading to discomfort and potential long-term damage. Beyond respiratory and ocular issues, prolonged exposure to high pollution levels can also contribute to cardiovascular problems, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The fine particulate matter can enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation throughout the body. Furthermore, long-term exposure to air pollution is linked to an increased risk of various cancers and reduced life expectancy. The impacts on the health system in Jammu are likely substantial, with increased hospital admissions and strain on healthcare resources.
The environmental consequences of the smog are equally concerning. The dense haze significantly reduces visibility, impacting transportation, particularly air travel. The reduced sunlight penetration due to the smog affects plant growth, potentially leading to decreased crop yields and damage to vegetation. The impact on wildlife is also likely significant, with animals potentially experiencing respiratory problems and other health issues. The smog can disrupt ecosystems, affecting the delicate balance of the region’s flora and fauna. The long-term environmental effects of persistent, high levels of air pollution are potentially severe, including soil and water contamination, and a decline in biodiversity. Addressing this crisis demands immediate action, encompassing both short-term mitigation measures and long-term strategies aimed at preventing future occurrences.
Governmental Responses and Mitigation Strategies
The severe smog crisis engulfing the Indo-Gangetic Plain necessitates a robust and multifaceted governmental response. While specific measures implemented in Jammu require further investigation, the actions taken by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the Delhi-NCR region offer valuable insights into potential strategies. The CAQM has enforced stricter norms, including a ban on non-essential construction and demolition work, and restrictions on the plying of older petrol and diesel vehicles (BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel).
Long-term solutions demand a fundamental shift towards sustainable practices. Promoting alternative agricultural practices that eliminate stubble burning is paramount. This could involve providing farmers with financial incentives to adopt no-till farming, promoting the use of machinery for in-situ management of crop residue, and developing robust mechanisms for collecting and processing agricultural waste. Investing in cleaner energy sources, such as solar and wind power, can significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thus mitigating air pollution from energy production.
Comparison with Other Regions: Jammu in a Broader Context
The smog crisis impacting Jammu is part of a larger regional problem affecting the Indo-Gangetic Plain. While precise AQI data for Jammu is lacking, the severity mirrors that of other heavily affected areas like Delhi and Lahore. Delhi recently recorded an AQI of 428, categorized as “severe,” highlighting the widespread nature of the crisis. Lahore’s situation is even more alarming; IQAir reported an AQI exceeding 600, and at its peak, a staggering 1136, making it the world’s most polluted city at that time. This stark contrast with cleaner cities like Washington D.C. (AQI 31) underscores the severity of the pollution in the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
Similarities exist across these regions. Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana significantly contributes to the particulate matter, exacerbated by thermal inversion trapping pollutants near the ground. Industrial emissions and vehicular exhaust further compound the problem. The impacts are also strikingly similar: respiratory illnesses, eye irritation, reduced visibility, and broader environmental damage. However, differences exist in the specific contributing factors and mitigation strategies employed. While Delhi and its surrounding areas grapple with a complex mix of industrial pollution, vehicular emissions, and stubble burning, Lahore’s situation might be more influenced by industrial activity and regional dust storms. Jammu’s contribution might be more heavily weighted towards the transport of pollutants from agricultural burning in neighboring states given its location and prevailing winds. The effectiveness of mitigation strategies varies as well. Delhi’s CAQM has implemented restrictions on construction and vehicle use, but the long-term effectiveness remains to be seen. Lahore, facing a similarly severe crisis, has implemented bans on outdoor activities and early closures of businesses, but the long-term efficacy of these actions is also uncertain. A comprehensive regional approach is needed, coordinating efforts across borders and focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, stricter emission controls, and improved monitoring systems to address the root causes of this widespread environmental crisis.
