Delhi Air Pollution: What is Polluting Delhi’s Air and What are the Major Contributors in Capital NCR

Air pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) is a significant and persistent problem, exacerbated by multiple local and regional factors. Some of the major contributors to this pollution can be grouped into a few major sources:

Major factors contributing to Delhi air pollution

1. Vehicle emissions

Main sources: Vehicles account for nearly 51.5% of Delhi’s total pollution levels and are the largest contributor to air pollution. Vehicle emissions include cars, buses, two-wheelers, etc.

Some specific pollutants include: Vehicles are the largest contributors to particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) as well as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. For example, vehicles account for approximately 78% of nitrogen oxide emissions.

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2. Construction activities

Dust Generation: Ongoing construction activities add dust particles to the atmosphere that continue to degrade air quality. This source has greater potential in a rapidly urbanizing city like Delhi.

3. Industrial emissions

Industrial pollution: Various industrial pollution, especially industrial emissions, as well as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter, are important pollution factors in Delhi. In the NCR, industrial activities account for approximately 41% of PM10 and 44% of PM2.5.

4. Burning straw

Seasonal impact: Stubble burning in neighboring states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh has a significant impact on Delhi’s air quality, mainly during winters. According to reports, during peak pollution periods, burning straw will increase PM2.5 concentration by about 35%.

5. Waste incineration

Open Burning: Garbage and waste are burned into the atmosphere, adding to the pollution load and accounting for about 1.3% of Delhi’s overall air quality problem.

6. Road dust and empty spaces

Road dust: Road dust is dust collected from unpaved roads and construction sites and accounts for approximately 38% of the city’s PM2.5.

Other sources of air quality impacts

Geographical Factors: Delhi’s geographical location and overall weather patterns are usually during the winter months when temperatures take on a term known as an inversion. This, in turn, leads to a sharp rise in pollutants near the ground, exacerbating smog conditions.

Population growth: With more than 20 million people living here, population growth has led to an increase in the amount of vehicles, waste and energy, which are all factors in pollution.

Contribution of neighboring areas: Contribution of neighboring areas is also a cause of pollution in Delhi. For example, Ghaziabad accounts for about 9% and Noida about 6.5%.

Delhi and the National Capital Region region face a complex interplay of vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, agricultural practices such as stubble burning, and problematic waste management activities. These sources of pollution are multifaceted and require joint efforts from various departments and regions to effectively control pollution.