Using Earth Observation to map degradation of air quality in North India

A new study led by the University of Leicester reveals how seasonal air quality in Northern India is degraded by changes in the timing and amount of agricultural residue burning – by Harjinder Sembhi.

Each October, farmers in northwest India burn millions of tonnes of agricultural residue following the harvesting of rice, a high yield crop that is grown through the monsoon season. Unfortunately, smoke plumes from rice residue burning are a major source of hazardous fine particulate matter (called PM_2.5) and the emitted pollution transports across north India affecting hundreds of millions of citizens, including in Delhi (pop. ~ 20M).

In our study, we combined satellite measurements with air quality modelling and found that increases in PM_2.5 concentrations are predominately influenced by the specifics of the meteorological conditions prevailing at the time and the amount of rice residue burnt (rather than the timing of burning). We discuss what our results mean for future policy development in the context of India’s National Clean Air Programme and the implications for human health.  A copy of the publication can be found here.