Air Pollution in Delhi

• 31 Mar 2023

According to a recent report submitted by a joint committee appointed by National Green Tribunal (NGT), Delhi tops the list of six polluted spots across the Indo-Gangetic Plain in terms of annual average pollution levels.

• The joint committee analyzed seasonal variations in PM2.5 levels for 2019 at Delhi (ITO), Amritsar, Murthal, Lucknow, Patna, and Kolkata.
• High pollution levels in Delhi are attributed to a high concentration of pollution sources throughout the year, owing to a high population and congestion.
• Delhi had the highest annual average PM2.5 levels at 109 µg/m3, followed by Patna and Kolkata.
• The region has higher emissions per square kilometre area, and pollutants from Punjab and Haryana impact Delhi as well.
• Patna had the highest PM2.5 concentration in winter, followed by Delhi. In summer and post-monsoon seasons, Delhi topped the list of six spots.
• The NGT has directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and CPCB to enforce measures such as the use of cleaner fuel, efficient air pollution control technologies, and the Graded Response Action Plan to control pollution sources within six months.