Air quality in Bareilly

What is the current air quality index of Bareilly?

Bareilly is a city in the Bareilly district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is 250 kilometres east of the national capital, New Delhi. It is located on the Ramganga River and is the site of the Ramganga Barrage which was built for canal irrigation. It is known locally as Nath Nagri because of the seven Shiva temples located in the region. In 2011, Bareilly had an estimated population of approximately 933,000 people.

The city is a centre for furniture manufacturing and trades in cotton, cereal and sugar.

At the beginning of 2021, Bareilly was experiencing a period of air quality classed as “Unhealthy for sensitive groups” with a US AQI reading of 117. This classification is in line with recommendations by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The recorded level of PM2.5 was 42.2 µg/m³.

With the level being this high, it is advisable to close all doors and windows to prevent the ingress of dirty air into the rooms. Everybody should avoid outdoor exercise until the air quality improves. Those of a sensitive disposition should wear a good quality face mask if they need to venture outside. But it would be better not to risk this and postpone the need to go out until later.

Is the air in Bareilly very polluted?

The climate of the city is becoming so poisonous that if measures to control it are not taken then it will only get worse. The situation is worrisome because the city was ranked at number 13 in the country in terms of air pollution. Bareilly is at number four in the state where the climate is becoming the most poisonous. It has been revealed in the Greenpeace India report which covered 280 cities in the country.

Bareilly is fourth out of 22 cities of Uttar Pradesh. The report collected year-over-year average particulate matter (PM10) figures of 280 cities for the year 2015 and 2016. Bareilly's average PM10 level was recorded at 226 micrograms per cubic meter.

Rapidly increasing pollution is proving to be fatal for humans as well as for nature. Due to this, trees and plants are also getting sick. The normal growth of plants has been affected in the last five years. Now their leaves are becoming smaller because of the polluted air. Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) are quite dangerous for trees and vegetation in that their chemical content closes the stomata on the leaves which prevent the sunlight from getting through (photosynthesis) which the plant needs in order to produce the nutrients which it needs to grow.

It was discovered that vegetation by the side of the road suffered particularly from poisonous dust but trees and plants throughout the city were stunted by as much as 50 per cent.

What are the main sources of air pollution in Bareilly?

As with most large Indian cities, the main source of pollution comes from vehicle emissions, closely followed by emissions from industry and power production. Domestically produced pollution also has a significant role to play. Stubble burning in the surrounding agricultural areas is also a chief contributor. Levels usually spike around November which coincides with the start of winter and also of Diwali where countless firecrackers and fireworks are used as part of the celebrations.

The air quality index in Bareilly crossed 300 due to haphazard construction works in the city, following the orders of the National Green Authority (NGT). The Municipal Corporation will impart harsh measures on polluters. The city commissioner has asked the construction sites to spray water continuously at the place of demolition in order to keep the dust from rising up into the air.

Instructions have also been given to identify those who set fire to the garbage. If anyone sets fire to the garbage, legal action will be taken against them.

Can the quality of Bareilly’s air be improved?

Bareilly has many industrial units and manufacturing bases several of which are very old and therefore lack the latest technology which modern premises are fitted with. Their chimneys do not contain the air filters and scrubbers which clean the exhaust before it is released into the atmosphere.

The ever-growing population needs more and more private vehicles which are often very old and lack the modern systems found on newer vehicles that control emissions.

Public transport needs to replace private vehicles and reduce the number of these in the city centre. The number of motorbikes used every day is almost unbelievable. They are very convenient and give the rider an element of independence. It will be extremely difficult to persuade a significant amount of users to change their daily commuting habits.

Private vehicles should be replaced by public vehicles as fewer cars produce much less pollution. Children could be encouraged to use the school bus or walk or cycle to school instead of relying on mum or dad to take them in the car.

Homes should be fitted with solar panels in order to harvest the energy from the sun.

Car-pooling is something that could be organised by companies for the mutual benefit of their staff.

What are the health implications of breathing in Bareilly’s polluted air?

Air pollution comes in many forms. This is usually due to nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, vehicle emissions, smoke, dust and chemicals from the factory chimneys. Exposure to it can cause respiratory diseases like coughing, wheezing, eye and sinus irritation, bronchitis, asthma and emphysema, severe fatigue, decreased lung capacity and shortness of breath, damage to lungs and heart, fatal diseases such as cancer. It has the most effect on pregnant women, children under the age of 14 years, infants and the elderly.

If a pregnant woman is forced to breathe in polluted air, then its direct effect can be seen on her pregnancy. According to a study conducted in the United Kingdom, about 3 million children are born prematurely every year due to air pollution, which can lead to a problem of malnutrition in later life. Apart from this, he may also be at risk of diabetes, heart-related diseases and high blood pressure. Prolonged exposure to polluted air increases the risk of miscarriage in some cases. And there is also the risk of premature delivery and low birth weight.