Why is Delhi's air pollution peak delayed this year?

Delhi's air pollution peak was delayed by about 10 days this year, occurring later than the usual mid-January improvement, with causes debated to include climate change and unusual monsoon patterns.

What is the primary source of PM2.5 emissions in Delhi?

Vehicular emissions are identified as the dominant primary source of PM2.5 emissions in Delhi, a fact known for over a decade.

What approach is recommended for Delhi's air pollution mitigation?

An airshed-based approach is recommended for effective air pollution mitigation planning, considering both the broader Delhi airshed region and its immediate satellite areas.

Home / Environment / Delhi Air Crisis: Pollution Peak Arrives Late, Relief Delayed

Delhi Air Crisis: Pollution Peak Arrives Late, Relief Delayed

27 Jan

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Summary

Delhi's air pollution peak delayed by 10 days this year.
Vehicular emissions are the dominant primary source of PM2.5.
Airshed-based approach recommended for effective mitigation planning.

Delhi Air Crisis: Pollution Peak Arrives Late, Relief Delayed

Delhi's air quality, typically improving by mid-January, experienced a significant delay this year, with pollution peaks shifting later into the season. This extended pollution episode is attributed to factors such as climate change, ENSO-neutral conditions, and a wet monsoon. While scientific debate continues on the precise causes, residents faced another severe air quality event, for which immediate solutions proved inadequate.

The Supreme Court has called for precise identification of emission sources before mitigation measures are implemented. Delhi's air quality body confirmed that vehicular emissions are the primary source of PM2.5, a finding consistent with data from 2010 and 2018. For effective policy responses, a clear distinction must be maintained between emission sources and atmospheric processes like secondary particle formation.