Are Forest Fires In J&K Contributing To Pollution In Delhi? WHO Report Suggests So

There have been three forest fires in Jammu and Kashmir in the past week, and according to experts, it has been contributing to the smog covering the skyline in Delhi and NCR. The incessant smoke and pollution from these fires has gone unchecked, resulting in pollution in some parts of north India.

According to reports, the north-westerly wind that has been blowing has been bringing in the smoke from the paddy fields in Haryana and Punjab can also be held responsible for bringing in harmful effects of the forest fires of Kashmir into the low-laying areas of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi.

The first forest fire raged for almost a week and ended only after burning 10,000 trees. The second and third fires were smaller in scale although the third occurred at the heart of the forest division. The third and latest was a massive fire that broke out on Friday evening.

Despite assurances, villagers reported that hardly any steps were taken in the initial days to quell the fire.

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Kashmir Life

In its report filed early last month, the World Health Organisation had reported that apart from vehicular emissions and smoke from factories, forest fires also play a role in affecting the levels of air pollutants.

READ: Children Are The Biggest Victims Of Air Pollution, Accounts For Nearly 5 Per Cent Infant Deaths

As the situation in the national capital worsens, schools are shut down and people are advised to stay indoors, there is also an urgent to stay swifter action against forest fires breaking out in the northern states.

ANI

While the authorities are yet to take action on the frequent forest fires in J&K and Uttarakhand, its impact will continue to affect the residents of the lower regions.