Groundwater Policies Fire Up Air Pollution in Northwest India

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A measure to conserve groundwater in northwestern India has led to unexpected consequences: Added air pollution in an area already beset by haze and smog.

A measure to conserve groundwater in northwestern India has led to unexpected consequences: Added air pollution in an area already beset by haze and smog.

A new study reveals how water-use policies require farmers to transplant rice later in the year, which in turn delays harvests and concentrates agricultural burnings of crop residues in November, a month when breezes stagnate, leading to increased air pollution.

The perfect storm of conditions during November has created almost 30% higher atmospheric concentrations of fine particulate matter, small particles that are especially concerning for human health.

Read more at Cornell University