Air quality in Jammu

What is the air quality index of Jammu?

Jammu is called the winter capital of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the largest city and stands on the banks of the Tawi River. It has the Himalayas to its north and the vast northern plains to the south.

It is the second-most populous city in the union. The metropolitan population was estimated to be 6.57 million in 2011 so it will probably a lot larger now.

In early 2021, Jammu was experiencing a period of “Moderate” air quality with a US AQI figure of 97. This is in line with recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO). The PM2.5 concentration was 34.2 µg/m³. The advice would be to close doors and windows to prevent the ingress of polluted air into the home. Those people of a sensitive disposition should avoid outdoor exercise until the air quality improves. A mask should be worn if venturing outdoors is unavoidable.

What is the main source of air pollution in Jammu?

Officials said the main source of pollutants were vehicles, destruction of forest areas surrounding Jammu and Srinagar for expanding habitation, brick kilns, use of firewood and dust generated by construction and developmental activities. The city air is poisoned by factories, vehicles, brick kilns, donkey-horse dung and power loom fibres. Because of this, about 300 people are falling ill every month.

The main source of pollution during the colder, winter months comes from the burning of wood and coal and animal dung in the stoves that provide heat for the houses. Emissions from vehicles contribute to poor quality air. It is made worse by the fact that there was very little thought went into the layout of the city and therefore transit routes tend to be random rather than organised.

What is the pollution level in Jammu?

The climate of Jammu city has also become clean due to the ongoing lockdown to defeat COVID 19. The biggest benefit of the lockdown has been to the city's environment. The movements of vehicles and industrial activities of Jammu which had reached the fatal level have been renewed once again. Jammu's air quality index had improved by up to 40 per cent. In general, the air quality index of Jammu comes to around 100-120 but it has improved significantly in the last few days.

Sometimes it is very difficult to ascertain exactly what the level of air pollution is, in Jammu. This is because of the apparatus used to collect the data. There can be several days without data because the apparatus fails due to rainy conditions.

It is widely hoped that the local authorities will make full use of modern technology and update their entire system. Technologies such as mobile apps, websites, LED displays for 24/7 real-time monitoring, and several other interactive means, for widespread awareness and sensitisation regarding air quality levels along with the ways for improving it.

Is air pollution in Jammu getting better or worse?

In January 2019, according to reports, air quality had been deteriorating every day resulting in lung diseases, and infections. Reports said that pollution was higher than the prescribed limits and state administration included state Pollution Control Board seemed to ignore the fact.

It was claimed that the State government was totally ignoring the Government of India guidelines to keep a constant and mandatory check on pollutions on four vital parameters of Total Suspended Particulates, Respirable Suspended Particulates, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.

The burning of forests as a way of increasing agricultural land is becoming a considerable source of pollution which can affect a large area due to the direction of the prevailing winds. More than 10,000 trees have been burnt in and around Jammu and Kashmir. The burning of crop residue is always a bone of contention between Delhi and its environs. Demands are being made to prevent farmers from doing this but it is extremely hard to enforce. Farmers resort to setting the fires during the hours of darkness when proof of the “pyromaniac” is hard to find.

The resulting smog can be so thick that vehicles need to use headlights at midday in order to see and be seen.

What can be done to improve the air quality in Jammu?

The accepted standards breached the established air quality norms about five years ago with suspended particulate matter and respiratory suspended particulate matter rising above the threshold levels. Because of this, the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) imposed a ban on the use of firewood and coal by restaurants and eateries. It was recommended that they change their source of fuel to LPG. Strict action will be taken against those who do not conform.

It has been suggested that the random location of factories and kilns and weaving centres should be relocated away from residential areas. It has also been suggested that older vehicles need to pass some sort of emissions test in order to be allowed to continue to operate within the city limits.

What are the effects of breathing Jammu’s poor quality air?

Experts report that air pollution is a major cause of heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer, and increases the risks for acute respiratory infections and exacerbates asthma.

Due to the relatively high level of pollution in Jammu, residents are having problems such as eye irritation, difficulty in breathing, heart disease, tuberculosis, lung cancer, hair loss and the possibility of miscarriage. According to the survey of doctors, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide are gradually reducing the lifespan of a person. Children below the age of 5 years are most affected. This was revealed in the opinion survey of public and of doctors.

People are having breathing difficulties due to air pollution. They felt a burning sensation in the eyes. Visibility was reduced due to pollution in many places. Air quality has deteriorated in most states due to increasing pollution.

Polluted air affects different people in different ways. Those who are more susceptible to it are those who already suffer from a pre-existing respiratory condition. But even young, strong people can be immediately affected by poor quality air. However, pregnant women, children under the age of 14, senior citizens and those whose work dictate that they spend long hours outdoors will be affected so much sooner.