Winter Burst of Pristine Kashmir Valley Air

Abstract

The Kashmir Valley in India is one of the world’s major tourist attractions and perceived as a pristine environment. Long term monitoring of fine particulate matter, PM2.5 (particles having aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm or less), responsible for deteriorating human health, has been done for the period 2013–14. Results indicate that air quality of the capital city Srinagar (34.1°N, 74.8°E) deteriorates significantly in particular during winter, where level of PM2.5 touches a peak value of 348 μg/m³ against the Indian permissible limit of 60 μg/m³. The emissions due to domestic coal usage are found to be 1246.4 tons/yr, which accounts for 84% of the total annual emissions. The on-line high-resolution weather research and forecasting model with embedded chemistry module (WRF-Chem), which accounts for emission inventory developed in this region reproduced the seasonal variability reasonably well. Cold temperatures with dry conditions along with elevated level of biofuel emissions from domestic sector are found to be the major processes responsible for winter period particulate pollution. The back trajectories show that westerly winds originating from Afghanistan and surrounding areas also contribute to the high PM2.5 levels.

On land-use and land-cover changes over Lidder Valley in changing environment

“…Mishra and Rafiq (2017) reported 24% decline in snowfall over the study area with unit degree change in temperature and increase in BC concentration. This biomass burning is not only affecting the glaciers of the region but is also responsible for deteriorating the air quality (Hakim et al 2018).…”

Source profiling of air pollution and its association with acute respiratory infections in the Himalayan-bound region of India

“…Figure 3 shows the month wise variation in the meteorological factors from 2013-2017 in the study region. during winter [23]. This region shows the highest concentration of black carbon among all the high altitudes observation sites in India and Nepal.…”

“…These geographical aspects of human health could be due to high variability in climatic conditions and atmospheric stability within Himalayan region [22]. Air quality deteriorates signi cantly during winter months in the Valley region of Kashmir (Himalayas) with highest PM 2.5 concentrations (~ 350 µg/m³), which is about six times of the Indian permissible limit [23]. Emissions in the valley region of Kashmir are highest during winter months due to low temperature and dry conditions along with elevated rise of biofuel emissions (burning of leaves and twigs).…”

“…These biofuels are mostly byproduct of agriculture and horticulture residuals and are found to be the potent causes of rise in pollution level. Back trajectories show the role westerly winds in the contribution of high PM 2.5 levels in the Kashmir Himalayas originated mainly from Afghanistan and other surrounding areas [23]. Studies conducted at the Kullu-Manali region of lower Himalaya have shown that the vehicular pollution is producing ultra ne particles which are getting readily absorbed by lungs and causing serious respiratory and neurological disorders [24].…”

Source Profiling of Air Pollution and its Association with Acute Respiratory Infections in the Himalayan Bound Region of India

“…High pollution level during these months is mostly attributed due to large scale burning of biomass and biofuels utilized in cooking and charcoal formation. Generally, air quality deteriorates in Kashmir valley with highest PM 2.5 concentrations (~ 350 µg/m³) during winter [23]. This region shows the highest concentration of black carbon among all the high altitudes observation sites in India and Nepal.…”