Srinagar in Pauri Garhwal Faces Severe Air Quality Crisis Amid Wildfires
Srinagar in Pauri Garhwal records 390 AQI as wildfires, vehicles foul air
Image: The Times Of India
Srinagar, located in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India, recorded an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 390 on May 20, marking a significant deterioration due to forest fires, biomass burning, and vehicle emissions. Researchers from HNB Garhwal University linked this spike to stagnant air conditions exacerbated by rising temperatures.
- 01The AQI in Srinagar rose sharply from moderate levels of 83-116 to a peak of 390, classified as 'very poor'.
- 02Forest fires, biomass burning, and vehicular emissions were identified as major contributors to the deteriorating air quality.
- 03The maximum temperature in the region increased significantly from 27.19°C to 38.95°C in just over a week.
- 04Weak western disturbances failed to disperse pollutants, trapping them in the valley.
- 05The bulletin emphasized the importance of scientific research in informing public awareness and policy planning regarding air quality and climate change.
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On May 20, Srinagar in Pauri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, recorded an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 390, categorizing it as 'very poor'. This significant decline in air quality was attributed to a combination of forest fires, biomass burning, and vehicular emissions, as noted by researchers from HNB Garhwal University. The analysis, part of a bulletin released by the Himalayan Atmospheric and Space Physics Research Laboratory, revealed that the AQI had fluctuated between moderate levels of 83 to 116 from May 6 to May 8, but began to deteriorate sharply from May 9 onwards. The most severe deterioration occurred on May 19, when the AQI reached 356 before peaking at 390 the following day. Researchers indicated that stagnant air conditions, exacerbated by rising temperatures—ranging from 27.19°C to nearly 38.95°C in just over a week—contributed to the accumulation of pollutants. The bulletin also highlighted the role of weak western disturbances in trapping pollutants in the valley, worsening air quality. The findings underscore the growing importance of scientific research in addressing public health and environmental challenges in the region.
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The severe air quality crisis poses health risks to residents, particularly vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
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