Vani Jha
IIT Madras Bombshell: Nighttime Pollution Fuels North India’s Deadly Winter Fog Crisis!
Author – Ritesh Ranjan: Thick fog choking Delhi winters? Blame nighttime particulate pollution, says groundbreaking IIT Madras research published in Science Advances and Geophysical Research Letters. Led by N. Arun and Prof. Chandan Sarangi, this global study unmasks how PM2.5 spikes create a “microphone effect,” super-sizing fog layers to 800m – grounding 1,000+ flights yearly. Clean air is now key to fog-free skies!
The Pollution-Fog “Microphone Effect” Exposed
Calm North Indian winter nights trap pollutants near the ground. As temps plunge, water vapor condenses on particles, birthing millions of micrometer droplets per cubic meter – slashing visibility to zero.
Droplets unleash latent heat, ballooning fog vertically (600-800m).
- Dawn hits: This shield blocks the sun, stalling evaporation – hello, multi-day “dull skies” delaying trains (IRCTC loses ₹500Cr/year) and snarling highways.
- Arun (IITM PhD scholar): “Pollution rivals climate winds in fog persistence. Solar block creates vicious cycle for next-night condensation.”
- Science Backing: Studies (DOIs: 10.1126/sciadv.adx1662; 10.1029/2024GL114095) used satellite data, models – collab with Cyprus Institute, EDF, PNNL.
North India’s Fog Nightmare: Stats & Stakes
Delhi’s Dec-Jan fog days are up 40% since 2010 (IMD), costing aviation $1.5B globally (WMO). 2025 saw 300+ flight diversions; AQI hits 500 amid stubble burn + vehicles.
- IITM’s lens: PM2.5 >100μg/m³ nighttime = fog 2x thicker. Unlike global warming theories, regional pollution is the prime culprit.
- Prof. Sarangi: “Better models via this = precise forecasts for pilots, airports.”
- Hope in Clean Air: Policy Wins Ahead
- Good news: Slash particles = fewer fogs. NCAP targets 40% PM cut by 2026 – enforce stubble tech, EV push.
- Quick Fixes: Night curbs on polluting trucks. Green belts + mist cannons. AI fog alerts (like Delhi’s 2025 rollout).
India’s $500B air pollution hit (World Bank) shrinks with action – health, economy soar.
Also Read: KVS Admission 2026-27 Officially Open: Parents’ Ultimate Deadline Guide – Apply Before April 20!
IIT Madras Leads the Charge
Civil Eng Dept’s feat builds on Chennai’s air lab prowess. Team: Arun/Sarangi (IITM), Kanawade (Cyprus), Gautam (EDF), Singh (Bennett), Qian (PNNL).
Broader Impact: Informs GRAP, aviation SOPs. Search “IIT Madras fog pollution study” for full papers. Breathe easy – science paves cleaner winters!