“Crackers were a factor. But the main reason behind Delhi problem was wind coming from north at exactly the period when crop stubble was being burnt. The whole Punjab was on fire. All factors formed a lot of aerosols. It’s a combination of all these factors,” he said.
“Burning is a really important factor and it should be avoided. It should be converted to energy source. Within Delhi, I am not very sure, but it is important also to take care of roads. Traffic causes dust. If they improve their roads, housing situation, it will reduce aerosol level,” Prevot said.
He said to address the problem and improve the situation, policy makers should look at around 500 to 1,000 km of areas.
“You will have to look at 500 to 1,000 kms of areas to improve the situation. It should look upwind for 500 km, like Punjab. That’s what they have done in China,” he added.
The expert said living in Delhi can reduce one’s life by around 5-6 years due to air pollution.
He also said cooking is causing addition of organic aerosol in the air, thereby adding to the pollution level.
