• Air pollution refers to the release of pollutants into the air that are detrimental to human health and the planet as a whole.

Causes of Air Pollution 

• During winters, air quality deteriorates rapidly and it leads to high amounts of Air pollution in the particular region.

1. The major cause of increasing air pollution is the issue of stubble burning especially in paddy growing regions.
2. Biomass burning and problem of demolition waste.
3. Construction work, mining, increase in use of road vehicles also adds up to the poor quality of Air.
4. Factories using high carbon fuel
5. Burning of local fires during winters etc.

Challenges 

(i) The major challenge lies for the expectant mothers who respire fast because of high metabolism rate and as a result it leads to severe health problems as air goes into the lungs.

(ii) During the colder days, air closer to the ground becomes heavy and does not diffuse due to which pollutants cannot be dispersed and it leads to further increasing pollution levels.

(iii) Dynamicity of weather system.

(iv) During the winters there is a possibility for 2nd wave of covid-19, pollution predisposes attacks by the virus and as a result strength of the body becomes weak.

Way Forward 

• Over-use of road vehicles and electricity can be avoided upto the extent.
• Pollution rich areas should be avoided by the people especially during the morning when pollution level is generally high.
• The burning of biomass should be lowered and policy can be formulated for ensuring cost effective measures for farmers to solve the issue of stubble burning.

Conclusion 

• Air pollution is an ever increasing issue which needs special attention and public participation and cooperation is the key element for solving the issue.

Reference:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-JFvh0jRyc&list=PLcDghvQhYD9IOCPeVG4pQvLDCuTCit_D8&index=1