Ethiopian Ash Hits Delhi: AQI Steady, Flights Cancelled- Will Pollution Rise Now?

New Delhi: After about 10,000 years, the eruption of the Haile Gubi volcano in the northern region of Ethiopia has now reached India. Within 24 hours of the explosion, the ash cloud is crossing the Red Sea and the Middle East and moving towards northwest India. Reached altitude (15,000-45,000 feet) in Delhi-NCR at 11 pm and appeared cloudy on the radar. IMD said that most of the ash is at altitude, so there will be no major impact on Delhi's AQI (around 400), but flights have been canceled in Gujarat-Rajasthan. 

Will this ash deepen the winter pollution problem?

Ethiopia's Hale Gubi eruption is making history and has become active after years. The ash contains volcanic particles, sulfur dioxide, and stone fragments and reached North India at a speed of 100-120 km/hour. DG of Indian Meteorology M. Mohapatra said that the ash is at a high altitude, so there will not be much impact on ground pollution in the capital. Pollution will not increase during the winter season. But Rajasthan and Gujarat are covered with clouds, and the temperature has increased by 1-2 degrees. The ashes have reached Delhi-NCR. 

Impact on Delhi AQI—worse than before at 400; will ash increase the danger?

Delhi's AQI is around 400 (severe)—GRAP Stage 3 is ongoing. According to Indian Meteorology, the ash is at high altitude and will have minimal impact on the ground level, but expert Ashutosh Tiwari said that the ash contains sulfur dioxide, which if falls down, will increase respiratory problems. Its impact on flights has started. Now it remains to be seen whether this ash will worsen PM2.5 in winter.

Scientific viewpoint—composition of ash, big impact on aviation

The ash includes volcanic ash, SO₂, and glass/rock particles, which will cause sky darkening and affect air traffic. The ash is at 15,000-45,000 feet and reached Delhi from Gujarat-Rajasthan. Its temporary effect will wear off within a few hours. There is also a possibility that as the ash comes closer, its impact on flights may be more visible. Will this explosion affect the global climate?