Uttarakhand: Delhi’s pollution is spreading towards the mountains! Dehradun’s air quality has also turned toxic ahead of the new year
The air quality in the plains of Uttarakhand is also becoming toxic. The situation is worst in the capital city of Dehradun. Here, the Air Quality Index (AQI), which makes breathing difficult, has been a constant source of concern in the run-up to the new year. The situation is so bad that in December, the AQI repeatedly crossed 300, which is considered a very serious category for health. The continuously deteriorating air pollution situation before the new year is a major cause for concern for everyone.
Dehradun’s AQI is alarming: After Delhi, Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, is also grappling with the crisis of poor air quality. Dehradun, known for its clean and pure air, is now recording consistently alarming levels of Air Quality Index (AQI).
Dehradun’s AQI crosses 250: On Wednesday, Dehradun’s AQI was recorded at around 273, while on Monday night it had crossed 300. This situation is pushing the city into the very poor category, indicating a serious threat to the health of the general public. On Wednesday, along with the poor AQI, PM 2.5 was recorded at 191 and PM10 at 253.
The city’s air is continuously deteriorating: Dehradun is generally known for its clean air and pleasant weather. Every year, the influx of tourists increases significantly before the new year. Tourists, especially those going to hill stations like Mussoorie, arrive in large numbers in Dehradun. But this time, the city’s air has been continuously deteriorating in the month of December, which has increased the concerns of both locals and tourists.
At the beginning of December, Dehradun’s AQI had crossed 300. Although there was a slight improvement in the situation for a few days, the AQI has once again crossed 200. Several times, this figure has been recorded close to or above 300. Seasonal conditions are a major reason behind this. Currently, the atmosphere is stable, preventing air from rising and causing pollutants to accumulate in the city.
Lack of rain exacerbates the problem: Furthermore, the prolonged lack of rain means that dust and pollutant particles in the air are not settling on the ground, leading to increased air pollution. Chief Environment Officer PC Joshi says that increased tourist activity before the new year is also a major contributor to the pollution. The use of open campfires, charcoal stoves for cooking, and bonfires has increased significantly, releasing smoke and harmful gases into the air.
The administration is making continuous efforts to raise public awareness. Through awareness programs, people are being educated about which daily activities are harming the environment and the serious impact this could have on health and nature in the future. However, until a sense of collective responsibility is understood, the threat to Dehradun’s clean air will persist.
