Thursday, Mar 20 2025 | Time 05:24 Hrs(IST)
States » NorthPosted at: Mar 20 2025 12:37AM


Prolonged dry spell and jhum burning push up Aizawl’s air pollution levels

Aizawl, Mar 19 (UNI) Known for its clean air, Aizawl has recently witnessed a spike in air pollution levels due to an extended dry spell and seasonal jhum burning, Mizoram Pollution Control Board (MPCB).
Data collected for February and March reveals that two key localities in the city — Bawngkawn and Dawrpui — recorded noticeable rises in the Air Quality Index (AQI), sparking concern for vulnerable groups.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, MPCB officials reported that Bawngkawn — one of the city's busiest and dust-prone neighbourhoods — recorded an AQI of 133 in the first week of March and 155 in the second week. Similarly, Dawrpui, home to Aizawl’s bustling main market area, reported AQI levels of 117 and 135 for the same period.
The trend began in February, with Bawngkawn logging weekly AQI levels of 114, 119, 126, and 112 across the four weeks, while Dawrpui registered readings of 119, 129, 105, and 108 during the same time frame. Officials highlighted that an AQI between 101 and 200 is categorised as "moderate" but can pose breathing difficulties for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions.
Dr Lalramnghaki Pachuau, scientist ‘C’ at MPCB, attributed the surge to multiple factors. “The extended dry period has led to a rise in airborne dust particles. Bawngkawn area has been especially susceptible, given its chronic traffic congestion and dusty roads,” she explained.
Adding to the city’s pollution woes, she noted that large-scale jhum burning — the traditional slash-and-burn cultivation practice common in Mizoram — taking place in late February and March has contributed significantly to smoke and particulate matter in the atmosphere. Vehicle emissions in densely populated areas have only exacerbated the situation.
Despite the recent rise in pollution levels, Dr Pachuau expressed optimism that upcoming pre-monsoon showers could provide relief by bringing down dust concentrations and clearing the air.
The MPCB has urged residents, especially those in sensitive groups, to limit outdoor activities during periods of poor air quality and to adopt protective measures. As the city waits for rainfall to ease the situation, officials are also planning to raise public awareness on the dangers of indiscriminate jhum burning and the importance of maintaining road conditions to mitigate dust pollution.
UNI ZS XC SSP
Tags: #Prolonged dry spell and jhum burning push up Aizawl’s air pollution levels
More News

Medical intern expelled from DRPGMC Tanda for attacking junior with knife

20 Mar 2025 | 2:58 AM

Kangra, Mar 20 (UNI) An intern medical student of Dr. R.P.Govt Medical College Kangra at Tanda was expelled from the college for 18 months and fined Rs. 1.8 lakh for allegedly attacking a junior MBBS student with a knife on the eve of Holi in the college ground, medical college sources said here on Wednesday.

see more..

IAS officer book in mysterious death case of GM HPPCL

20 Mar 2025 | 2:57 AM

Shimla, Mar 19 (UNI) Due to mounting pressure on the administration following the shocking death of Vimal Negi, General Manager of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), an FIR has been lodged in the case against IAS officer Harikesh Meena, who was also removed from his post by the state government on Tuesday.

see more..

Farmer leaders detained, protest venues cleared by police

20 Mar 2025 | 2:10 AM

Chandigarh, Mar 19 (UNI) Punjab police on Wednesday detained 14 farmer leaders minutes after the 7th round of talks concluded at Chandigarh between farmers leaders and Union as well as Punjab ministers.

see more..

Chlorphenapyr found in viscera samples of deceased: J&K Minister on Badhal deaths

20 Mar 2025 | 1:49 AM

Jammu, Mar 19 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday informed the House that the cause of illness and deaths in Badhal area of Rajouri is not due to any communicable disease of bacterial or viral origin.

see more..

Bihar: Special ED court rejects Vipul Bansal's bail plea

20 Mar 2025 | 1:33 AM

Patna, Mar 19 (UNI) A special court of Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday rejected the regular bail petition of Vipul Bansal in Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case.

see more..