A Tale of Two States: Comparing Air Quality in Haryana and Manipur

Haryana , located in northern India, shares its borders with the national capital, New Delhi, which is infamous for its severe air pollution. The state also houses several industrial hubs, including Gurugram and Faridabad.  In contrast, Manipur lies in northeastern India and is surrounded by lush green hills and valleys, experiencing a significantly different climate and air circulation patterns.

a. Haryana: Haryana's industrial development has contributed to high levels of pollution, primarily from emissions of industries like power plants, steel manufacturing, and transportation. Additionally, the heavy traffic and vehicular emissions in urban centers worsen air quality. b. Manipur: Manipur, being an agrarian state with limited industrialization, faces comparatively lower pollution levels. The primary sources of pollution in Manipur are vehicular emissions, open waste burning, and the use of traditional cooking fuels in rural areas.

The Air Quality Index is a metric used to assess air pollution levels and its impact on human health. Let's compare the AQI data for Haryana and Manipur. a. Haryana (AQI: 250): Several cities in Haryana, such as Gurugram, Faridabad, and Rohtak, consistently experience high AQI levels, particularly during winter. The AQI often exceeds the safe limit, leading to adverse health effects like respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases. b. Manipur (AQI: 30): Manipur, with its relatively cleaner environment, generally maintains better air quality compared to Haryana. The state's major cities, including Imphal, have lower pollution levels and healthier AQI readings. However, some localized areas near busy roads and markets may witness moderate pollution due to traffic congestion.

Air pollutants can significantly impact the preservation of monuments, historical sites, and cultural heritage in general. Some of the potential effects include: 1. Acid Rain: Pollutants like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide can contribute to acid rain formation. Acid rain can corrode and degrade the surfaces of monuments made from stone, metal, or other materials, leading to erosion and discoloration. 2. Particulate Matter Deposition: Fine particulate matter, such as PM2.5 and PM10, can settle on monument surfaces, causing staining, soiling, and erosion over time. 3. Chemical Reactions: Pollutants can undergo chemical reactions on monument surfaces, leading to the formation of secondary pollutants. These reactions can further degrade the monument's materials. 4. Biological Growth: High pollution levels can create a favourable environment for the growth of microorganisms, such as algae, lichens, and fungi, on monument surfaces. These biological growths can cause p...

Both states have taken steps to combat air pollution and improve air quality. a. Haryana : The Haryana government has implemented measures such as the closure of polluting industries, installation of air quality monitoring systems, promotion of cleaner fuels, and stricter vehicle emission norms. Despite these efforts, Haryana continues to face significant air pollution challenges. b. Manipur : The Manipur government focuses on spreading awareness about the adverse effects of air pollution and encourages the use of cleaner cooking fuels and the reduction of open waste burning. Afforestation initiatives and sustainable agricultural practices further contribute to maintaining a healthier environment.

While Haryana struggles with severe air pollution due to industrialization and urbanization, Manipur , with its natural landscapes and limited industrial activity, enjoys comparatively better air quality. Both states are implementing measures to combat pollution, but the challenges faced by Haryana are more complex due to its higher population density and industrial growth. Addressing air pollution requires sustained efforts, public awareness, and policy interventions to protect the health and well-being of the residents. To protect monuments from these detrimental effects, it is crucial to implement air quality management strategies, such as reducing emissions, promoting sustainable practices, and implementing conservation measures specific to each monument's materials and vulnerabilities. In the quest for cleaner air, it is essential for policymakers, industries, and citizens to collaborate and adopt sustainable practices that preserve our environment and ensure a better future ...