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Delhi's Air Pollution: New Study to Uncover Root Causes
8 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Delhi government partners with IIT Delhi for a new pollution source study.
- Previous pollution source data relied upon by the government is seven years old.
- Delhi Police identified 62 high-traffic pollution hubs, up from 13 previously.
The Delhi government is undertaking a new comprehensive study with IIT Delhi and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, to precisely identify the sources of the city's worsening air pollution. This initiative aims to understand the origin and extent of pollution, including localized characteristics, to inform updated action plans.
This move comes as the data previously used to identify pollution sources was found to be seven years old, with the capital's clean-air action plan not updated since 2018. The new study will also help revise hotspot mapping, with Delhi Police now identifying 62 "high-traffic" pollution hubs, a significant increase from the previous 13.
In addition to the study, Delhi is implementing extensive audits of roads, industrial areas, and construction sites. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee will hire 100 surveyors for road audits, while Deputy Commissioners will survey industrial areas to list polluting units. Enforcement actions include substantial penalties and shutdowns for violations, with a notable increase in challans for vehicle emission violations.
