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Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
NO2 levels in city's air three times higher than safe limits
Gurgaon: Concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) -- a pollutant emitted by burning fuel in vehicles, power plants and industries – exceeded the maximum safe limit by three times in the past two days. Data from the Gwal Pahari air quality monitoring station showed that average NO2 for eight hours was 133µg/m³ on Thursday and 123µg/m³ on Friday. In India, the safe limit for exposure to NO2 is 40µg/m³. The maximum concentration considered safe by the World Health Organization is even lower, at 25 µg/m³. Experts said emissions from vehicles, especially in congested areas, is likely to be the key reason for NO2 pollution. They said NO2 does not get as much regulatory attention as other pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), though it is associated with exacerbating respiratory ailments. Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said on Friday, "Elevated NO₂ levels in the city are predominantly due to vehicular emissions. Old vehicles and traffic congestion are key sources of NO2 here." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Asked about action taken to reduce NO2 emissions, an official of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) said the agency has allowed a private firm to scrap old vehicles. "This aims to remove polluting vehicles from city roads," the official said. A senior HSPCB official said NO2 levels are likely to have spiked after brief relief due to pre-monsoon showers. "The recent rains had kept nitrogen dioxide levels in check by dispersing pollutants. But with clear skies and calmer weather now, NO2 from vehicular and industrial emissions is building up, especially in traffic-dense areas. Unlike particulate matter, NO2 often flies under the radar, but prolonged exposure can be equally hazardous," the official said. Currently, just one of the four air quality monitoring stations is functioning in the city. Dr Bandana Mishra, who heads the pulmonology and respiratory medicine department at Manipal Hospital in Gurgaon said everyone is at risk from high NO2 exposure, but children and the elderly suffer the most. "Nitrogen dioxide exposure can lead to increased inflammation of the airways, which results in persistent cough wheezing, reduced lung function and a higher frequency of asthma attacks," Dr Mishra said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
04-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
At 681, Haryana wheat burning cases hit 4-year low
Gurgaon: Haryana recorded 681 farm fires between April 1 and May 4 — its lowest in four years. The drop marks a positive shift in the state's fight against crop residue burning (CRB), a major source of seasonal air pollution and soil degradation. The practice of burning wheat stubble, especially common in April and May after the rabi harvest, is used to quickly clear fields for the next crop. In previous years, Haryana reported 2,459 fires in 2022, 775 in 2023 and 1,157 in 2024 during the same period. Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), which has shared the figures, attributes the consistent year-on-year decline to growing awareness among farmers, improved enforcement of regulations and the increased adoption of sustainable stubble management practices. According to experts, the wheat season also impacts air quality. Research associate at Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) Shubhansh Tiwari said, "Haryana is witnessing low farm fires as many startups are now buying the residue from the farmers. The farmers are getting equipment to manage their farms and there is awareness as well." "I feel that in the paddy season it may continue. CRB is very critical as prolonged periods of stagnant air can trap pollutants, leading to persistent haze, reduced visibility and increased respiratory issues — particularly among vulnerable communities," Tiwari said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Most Beautiful Wedding Dresses Of The Hollywood Stars Unconventional Experiences in Japan Undo The practice of CRB is a major concern, as it releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, affecting public health and the environment. Haryana agriculture department (Jhajjar) Mohit Kumar said public awareness campaigns which have been carried out over the years are "yielding results" to educate farmers and the general public about the negative consequences of CRB and the importance of adopting eco-friendly alternatives. State agriculture officials said efforts are being made to provide subsidised machinery to farmers to manage crop waste. An agriculture department official in Kurukshetra said the number of active fire locations in the district has come down. "Farmers are being encouraged to adopt alternative methods of crop residue management, such as incorporating the residue into the soil or using it for biomass energy production. The govt is also providing incentives and support to farmers to facilitate the transition to more sustainable farming practices. All these are helping to reduce the farm fires," an agriculture official said. This year, Jhajjar led the state with 141 fires, followed by Rohtak (88), Sonipat (73), Kaithal (52) and Karnal (46). Other districts with notable cases included Sirsa and Jind (38 each), Charkhi Dadri (33), Hisar (31) and Fatehabad (30). Smaller numbers came from Panipat (28), Kurukshetra (25), Ambala and Yamunanagar (16 each), Palwal (11), Bhiwai (10) and Faridabad, which saw just five incidents. Officials say the encouraging trend is the result of sustained efforts through govt schemes, field-level engagement and equipment support for in-situ stubble management—offering a hopeful outlook for air quality and sustainable agriculture in the region. Swagata Dey, policy specialist leading the Air Quality Policy and Outreach Group at Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy, said, "Summer crop residue burning of rabi crops is rarely discussed as its impact on air quality across the Indo-Gangetic Plains is less because of changes in wind patterns. This year, it is encouraging to see that the numbers have reduced in Haryana."
