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Delhi Air: New Study Maps Pollution Hotspots
21 Jan
Summary
- A new high-resolution emission study will map Delhi-NCR pollution sources.
- The study aims to improve air quality forecasting and mitigation strategies.
- Vehicle emissions and dust are major contributors to Delhi's air pollution.
A collaborative effort, spearheaded by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) Pune and involving IIT Delhi, TERI, and IITM Pune, is set to develop a comprehensive emission inventory and source apportionment study for the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).
The initiative, guided by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), will map pollution sources with unprecedented granularity, using 500x500 meter grids and establishing 2026 as the base year.
This high-resolution mapping is designed to significantly enhance air quality forecasting and inform the development of more effective pollution control strategies, following directives from the Supreme Court.
The study will integrate recent activity data and improved methodologies, aiming to reduce emission uncertainties for better air quality management in Delhi-NCR.
Past studies indicate seasonal variations, with secondary particulate matter, transport, and biomass burning being major winter contributors, while dust dominates in summer.
Weaknesses in current vehicle pollution control, challenges in managing industrial emissions, and the impact of construction waste have also been flagged.
Further identified issues include emissions from diesel generator sets, airport operations, and consistent pollution from hotels and restaurants relying on solid fuels.
