Dr Rakesh Verma
The pervasive issue of smog, a dangerous mixture of smoke and fog, significantly impacts air quality and public health across the globe. This phenomenon is particularly acute in regions with high population densities and industrial activity, leading to severe respiratory illnesses and other health problems. This article focuses on the concerning levels of smog affecting the regions of Jammu, situated in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. We will examine the causes, effects, and potential solutions to this escalating environmental crisis. Jammu is experiencing smog from Wednesday; a thick layer of smog is hovering over the entire region right from Lakhanpur to whole of Jammu plains. A portion of smog is also entering from nearby active stubble burning state Punjab, and stubble burring in paddy rich zones Jammu are also adding to its quantity.
The formation of smog is often exacerbated by meteorological conditions, specifically the phenomenon of temperature inversion. This occurs when a layer of warm air sits above a layer of cooler air, trapping pollutants near the ground and preventing their dispersal. This trapping effect intensifies the concentration of pollutants, creating hazardous air quality conditions.
In Jammu, several factors contribute to the smog problem. The practice of stubble burning in nearby areas like R.S. Pura, a common agricultural practice to clear fields after harvest, releases substantial amounts of particulate matter into the atmosphere. Industrial emissions from factories and manufacturing units further contribute to the pollution load. In addition, the increasing number of vehicles on the roads adds to the already high levels of vehicular exhaust, compounding the issue. The combined effect of these contributors leads to a significant deterioration in air quality, impacting the health and well-being of residents in these areas. The following sections will delve into a detailed analysis of these contributing factors and their consequences.
Causes of Smog in Jammu
Stubble burning in the Punjab, Haryana &R.S. Pura region represents a significant contributor to the smog blanketing Jammu. While precise data on the extent of stubble burning in this specific area requires further investigation, the practice’s impact is undeniable. Similar to the situation in Punjab, where thousands of farm fires contribute to the Indo-Gangetic Plain smog, the burning of agricultural residue in R.S. Pura releases substantial amounts of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, and other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. These pollutants are readily transported by wind patterns, significantly impacting air quality in downwind areas like Jammu. The lack of widespread adoption of alternative residue management techniques, such as in-situ management or mechanical harvesting, further exacerbates the problem. Future research should focus on quantifying the contribution of R.S. Pura stubble burning to the overall smog levels experienced in Jammu.
Industrial pollution from local industries also plays a crucial role. While the specific types and quantities of pollutants released vary depending on the industry, sources such as brick kilns, cement factories, and small-scale industries likely contribute significantly to particulate matter and gaseous pollutants. These industries, often lacking stringent environmental regulations or effective pollution control mechanisms, release pollutants directly into the atmosphere, adding to the existing smog. A comprehensive inventory of local industries and an assessment of their emissions profiles are needed to accurately quantify their contribution to the region’s air pollution levels. Stricter enforcement of existing environmental regulations and investment in cleaner production technologies are essential to mitigate this source of pollution.
Vehicular emissions further contribute to the deteriorating air quality. The increasing number of vehicles on the roads in Jammu, including two-wheelers, cars, and commercial vehicles, releases significant quantities of pollutants, particularly carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. The introduction of Electric Vehicles by the J&K Govt is a welcoming step towards reduction in Vehicular emission. The people should be encouraged and incentivized towards the use of Electrical Vehicles instead of emission emitting vehicles.
Finally, meteorological conditions play a critical role in exacerbating smog in Jammu. Temperature inversions, similar to those observed in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, trap pollutants near the ground, leading to high concentrations of pollutants. During winter months, cold air settles in valleys, preventing the vertical mixing of air and trapping pollutants close to the ground. This effect is amplified by the surrounding topography, which can further restrict air circulation and exacerbate the accumulation of pollutants. Understanding the frequency and duration of these temperature inversions is critical for predicting and mitigating the impact of smog.
Effects of Smog on Human Health and the Environment
The persistent smog blanketing Jammu has significant consequences for both human health and the environment. Exposure to high concentrations of air pollutants, primarily PM2.5 and PM10, leads to a range of adverse health effects. PM2.5, due to its fine size, penetrates deep into the lungs, causing respiratory illnesses like bronchitis, asthma, and pneumonia. Studies have linked long-term exposure to PM2.5 to increased risks of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. PM10, while larger, still poses respiratory risks, particularly for children and the elderly. While precise statistical data specific to requires further research, the general health impacts observed in other smog-affected regions offer a concerning parallel. For instance, studies across India have shown a clear correlation between increased PM2.5 levels and higher rates of respiratory hospitalizations and mortality. The vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are disproportionately affected due to their weaker respiratory systems and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Inverse Temperature and its Role in Smog Formation
Temperature inversion, also known as inverse temperature, is a meteorological phenomenon where the normal decrease in air temperature with altitude is reversed. Instead of getting colder as you ascend, a layer of warmer air sits above a layer of cooler air near the ground. This creates a stable atmospheric condition that prevents vertical mixing of air. Pollutants, instead of dispersing upwards, become trapped beneath the warmer layer, leading to a significant build-up of pollutants close to the ground. This concentration of pollutants is a primary driver of smog formation.
Several meteorological conditions contribute to temperature inversions. Radiation inversions often occur at night when the ground cools rapidly, cooling the air directly above it. This cooler air is then trapped beneath a layer of warmer air aloft. Subsidence inversions occur when a high-pressure system descends, compressing and warming the air. This warmer air then settles over a cooler layer near the surface. Frontal inversions form along the boundary between warm and cold air masses. The warmer air overrides the colder air, creating a temperature inversion.
The geographical location of Jammu, situated in a valley surrounded by hills, contributes significantly to the problem. Cold, dense air settles in the valley during winter, creating a natural basin that traps pollutants. The surrounding hills further restrict air circulation, preventing the dispersal of pollutants and exacerbating the accumulation of smog. This topographic effect intensifies the impact of temperature inversions, resulting in higher concentrations of pollutants and poorer air quality compared to more open areas. The combination of temperature inversions and the valley’s topography creates an environment exceptionally conducive to smog formation and persistence.
(The author is from J&K Forest Services)
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