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Delhi Smog Alert: Haryana's Jhajjar Fuels Pollution Crisis
18 Dec
Summary
- Jhajjar contributes 16.5% of Delhi's PM2.5, surpassing the city's transport sector.
- Nearly two-thirds of Delhi's pollution originates from outside the city limits.
- Thermal power plants in Jhajjar are identified as a major contributor to emissions.
Even after the end of the stubble-burning season, a substantial portion of Delhi's pollution originates from neighboring regions. On Wednesday, Jhajjar in Haryana contributed 16.5% to Delhi's PM2.5 levels, a figure higher than the city's own transport sector. Data from the Centre's Decision Support System (DSS) indicates that close to two-thirds of Delhi's pollution load originated from outside the capital.
Other areas within the National Capital Region (NCR) also showed significant contributions, with Rohtak, Bhiwani, and Sonipat adding to the cross-boundary pollution. Experts attribute Jhajjar's high impact to its two coal-based thermal power plants, emphasizing how prevailing winds can transport pollutants easily to Delhi. While the DSS uses an older emissions inventory, major pollution sources like these power plants remain consistent contributors.
The DSS forecasts Jhajjar's contribution to increase in the coming days, while Delhi's transport sector's share is expected to remain relatively stable. Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav is actively chairing meetings to address these pollution sources, focusing on local hotspots and industrial violations. Transboundary pollution is a year-round issue, worsening in winter due to unfavorable meteorological conditions that trap emissions.
