Pollution levels dip to 20-year low in north India amid lockdown: NASA

US space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) latest data shows air pollution levels across north India has dropped to a 20-year-low due to the nationwide lockdown imposed to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NASA’s satellite sensors observed aerosol levels at a 20-year. According to Pawan Gupta, a Universities Space Research Association (USRA) scientist at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, changes were expected in atmospheric composition in many places during the lockdown.

He, however, told ANI that he had never seen aerosol values so low in the Indo-Gangetic Plain at this time of year”.

Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice G Wells tweeted, “These images from NASA were taken each spring starting in 2016 and show a 20-year low in airborne particle levels over India”.

These images from @NASA were taken each spring starting in 2016, and show a 20 year low in airborne particle levels over #India. When India and the world are ready to work & travel again, let's not forget that collaborative action can result in cleaner air. #EarthDay AGW https://t.co/Bg5wkr3JYw

— State_SCA (@State_SCA) April 22, 2020

The data shows how aerosol optical depth in 2020 compared to the average for 2016-2019. The measure of how light is absorbed or reflected by airborne particles is aerosol optical depth.

Gupta said it was difficult to observe a change in the pollution signature in the initial days of the locdown.

Around March 27, heavy rain poured over vast areas of northern India and helped clear the air of aerosols. Aerosol concentrations usually increase again after such heavy precipitation.

Aerosols are tiny solid and liquid particles suspended in the air that reduce visibility and can damage the human lungs and heart.

The central government is mulling steps to curb pollution, which is expected to spike after the lockdown is lifted on May 3.

Currently, we have clean air due to the lockdown but this respite is short term. After the restrictions are lifted and human activities start, there will be a sudden rise in air pollution, said T. K. Joshi, member, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as quoted by Live Mint.

(With inputs from agencies)

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